Child protection – changes from the top

Sadly, the need for child protection is always present. Social workers in particular come in for a bad press in the media. There are also many cases of families who are let down and who in turn let their children suffer.

Covid presented professionals dealing with child protection an additional challenge. During lockdown, the need to keep vulnerable children safe did not stop and courts hearings became ‘virtual’. The following years took their toll on the child protection system. Children now can present with complex needs, even from a young age. The amount of time taken to conclude a court cases extended, and the number of hearings increased, making cost and delay big issues.

By November 2022, the President of the Family Division gave guidance to reform the way that child protection cases were dealt with, both in and out of court. It can be found at www.judiciary.uk/guidance-and-resources/a-view-from-the-presidents-chambers-november-2022/.

Despite 2022 being three years ago, it has taken some time for the President’s guidance to work through the system. Steps to reduce the time to conclude court cases to 26 weeks has now started to take effect. South Yorkshire’s cases now conclude within 38/39 weeks on average, and that figure continues to fall. The number of court hearings per case and the use of outside experts are also reducing.

If you asked “how is it possible to keep children safe whilst achieving the above results?”, you’d not be alone…. The answer partly lies also in the President’s wish to deal with some cases outside of court, that would previously have been dealt with by judges.

The Public Law Outline (PLO) has been around for many years. Key to it is the attempt for social services and parents to work together to manage risk and reduce the need for cases to go to court. Concerns are expressed, difficult issues raised, and support systems are created. Agreements are made and progress reviewed over a series of meetings. Legal aid is in place for parents to be represented. In many cases, situations are now being managed without the delay, expense and anxiety that court proceedings can bring.

However, more and more is now expected of the PLO process, and elements of cases that were dealt with in court have been introduced, sometimes with mixed success. The reasons for child neglect are often complex and reforms are not without their critics.

Peace Legal have been supporting parents, relatives and the children affected by child protection issues for over 30 years. Times have changed, but their commitment to putting children first has not. If you or someone you know has been asked to attend a PLO meeting or court proceedings, then it’s important to get in touch with an accredited specialist. Peace Legal have solicitors and lawyers who understand how stressful and complex things can be.

Fighting to keep families safe is what we do.