Care proceedings relate to intervention by the Local Authority/Social Services when there are issues concerning the safety/welfare of the children.

Social Services has a duty to protect children and can intervene by way of a Child Protection Conference whereby a child can be registered on the Child Protection Register and a Protection Plan formulated.

Sometimes the Local Authority can issue court proceedings seeking various orders from the Court such as Emergency Protection Order, Interim Care Order or Supervision Order. These types of orders often convey upon the Local Authority shared Parental Responsibility with the parents of the children who are perceived to be at risk of harm.

It is very important that parents or other carers for the children with or without Parental Responsibility (such as other family members) have legal representation with regard to these matters.