A pre-proceedings letter is a letter sent by the local authority if there are very serious concerns regarding the care of the children. The letter is sent as part of the Public Law Outline process (PLO). If you receive an invite to a PLO meeting, you should contact a solicitor as soon as possible. You will not have to pay your Solicitor for their legal advice and representation as you will automatically be eligible for public funding within this process.
The pre-proceedings letter will outline the concerns of the local authority and how they can be addressed. The letter will also outline what the local authority have done so far to help the family in an attempt to reduce those concerns. The letter will list a time and date that a meeting will be held.
The local authority will enter the PLO process to give parents one last chance to make positive changes in regard to the care of the children. If positive changes are made and sustained, then the concerns of the local authority may be reduced, and they will be less likely to pursue court proceedings. However, if positive changes are not made and sustained, then the local authority may consider making an application to Court to seek removal of the child(ren).
The PLO meeting will be attended by the Local Authority solicitor, team manager, social worker and the parents who will be accompanied by their respective legal representatives. The meeting is a chance to discuss with the Local Authority about what they are worried about and what the plan is to move forward. The parents will have the chance to respond and give their views.
It is important that those invited to the PLO process engage with all professionals and are open and honest. This is the last opportunity to meaningfully engage with the Local Authority in order to minimise the risk and concerns of the Local Authority, in the hope that matters will not be escalated to court.
If you receive a pre-proceedings letter inviting you to enter the PLO process, please contact our specialist Family Law Team on 02920 470909. One of our skilled members of the team will be happy to assist.