Pre-Proceedings (PLO) Solicitors
We provide a free legal aid assessment for child care cases, helping you find out if you’re eligible for support with your legal fees.
At a Glance
Important Information for Parents:
- Procedural Status: This is the final formal stage before the Local Authority issues an application to the Court.
- Funding Eligibility: Parents with parental responsibility are automatically entitled to non-means-tested Legal Aid.
- Primary Objective: To negotiate a formal agreement with Social Services that prevents the need for Care Proceedings.
Pre-Proceedings (also known as the Public Law Outline or PLO) refers to the formal legal process where a Local Authority invites parents to a meeting to discuss serious concerns regarding a child’s welfare. It serves as a final opportunity for parents to make necessary changes to avoid Court intervention.
What are Pre-Proceedings (PLO)?
The Public Law Outline (PLO) is a pre-court process designed to manage risks to a child without the need for a judge’s intervention. When Social Services start this process, it indicates they believe the legal threshold for state intervention has been met.
Specifically, the Local Authority is acting because they are concerned the criteria under Section 31 of the Children Act 1989 apply. This statute requires that:
- The child is suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm; and
- This harm is attributable to the care given by the parents (or the child being beyond parental control).
If you receive a “Letter Before Proceedings,” you must not ignore it. This document outlines the social workers’ specific concerns and invites you to a formal meeting. Crucially, this letter is your “ticket” to free legal representation.
Are Social Services involved? You are entitled to free legal advice. Call our Child Care Team on 0345 894 1622 immediately.
The Pre-Proceedings Timeline Explained
Understanding the PLO process timeline can help you prepare your case. The process is structured to give you a chance to demonstrate improvements.
| Stage | What Happens | Key Details |
| 1. Letter Received | You receive the ‘Letter Before Proceedings’ advising you to get a solicitor. | Contact a solicitor immediately. Do not attend any meetings without representation. |
| 2. Pre-Proceedings Meeting | You, your solicitor, and Social Services meet. They outline concerns and we negotiate support. | We advocate for you, ensuring the “Written Agreement” is fair and achievable. |
| 3. Period of Change | You are usually given 6–12 weeks to improve your situation. | This may include parenting courses, drug testing, or working with family support workers. |
| 4. Review Meeting | A follow-up meeting is held to assess your progress against the agreement. | We review whether Social Services have provided the support they promised. |
| 5. Outcome | Success: The PLO process ends meaning you do not have to go to court). Failure: The Local Authority issues an application for a Care Order. | If the case goes to Court, we are already up to speed and ready to defend you. |
Automatic Legal Aid for Parents
Many parents worry about the cost of a solicitor, but in Pre-Proceedings, this is not an issue.
- Eligibility: If you are a parent with parental responsibility and have received a Letter Before Proceedings, you automatically qualify for Legal Aid.
- No Means Test: There is no means test for this specific stage. Your income and savings do not matter.
- Full Coverage: This funding covers all advice and representation during the PLO process, meaning our help at the meeting costs you nothing.
How Cartwright King Protects Your Family
Going into a PLO meeting alone is dangerous, as Social Services will have their own legal team present. You need a specialist on your side to ensure the Local Authority is acting fairly and that any “Written Agreement” you are asked to sign is reasonable.
Our role includes:
- Attending the Meeting: We advocate for you during the PLO meeting, ensuring your voice is heard and you are not intimidated.
- Negotiating the Plan: We challenge unfair demands in the “Working Agreement.” If a requirement sets you up to fail, we fight to change it.
- Securing Support: We push Social Services to provide the help they promised (e.g., family support workers) rather than just judging you.
- Preparing for Court: If the worst happens and the case proceeds to Court, we are already fully prepared to defend you in Care Proceedings.
Time is of the essence. The earlier we are involved, the better chance we have of stopping the case from going to Court.
Frequently asked questions.
What happens if I ignore the Letter Before Proceedings?
Ignoring the letter is highly risky. It is often the final step before the Local Authority applies to the Court for a Care Order. Engaging with the process shows you are willing to work with professionals to protect your child.
Can Social Services remove my child during PLO?
The PLO process is designed to manage risk without removing the child, allowing them to remain at home while you make changes. However, if the risk becomes immediate or you fail to engage, the Local Authority may apply for an Emergency Protection Order or Care Order.
Do I have to pay for a solicitor if I work?
No. For Pre-Proceedings (PLO), parents with parental responsibility are entitled to non-means-tested Legal Aid. It does not matter if you are employed or what your income is; the representation is free.
Legal Fees
Get in contact with our care proceedings team to discuss legal aid.