Public Law Order (PLO) Solicitors 

A Public Law Order (PLO) is a serious step taken by the Local Authority when they are concerned about the welfare of a child and are considering taking the matter to Court. The process of a PLO can seem be intimidating, emotionally driven, and legally complex. Therefore, it’s important to have an expert PLO solicitor by your side to help keep the matter out of Court and address the Local Authority’s concerns. 

Please get in touch with our specialist child law solicitors, on 0345 894 1622 or use our online contact form to enquire about legal advice or representation during the PLO process. 

What is Public Law Outline Process? 

The Local Authority have a duty of care under the Children Act 1989 to safeguard and priorities the welfare of children within their area. Therefore, if the Local Authority has reasonable premises to suspect that a child who resides in their area is at risk of harm, they must initiate an investigation (Section 47 investigation).  

A Public Law Outline (PLO) is a serious step taken by the Local Authority in England and Wales following Section 47 investigations. It was introduced in 2008 as part of the Children and Adoption Act 2006. It enables the Local Authority to collaborate with the family to ensure the child receives appropriate care and any concerns are addressed. If successful, a plan is implemented with a set timeframe to resolve issues, potentially de-escalating the case to a Child in Need (CiN) or Child Protection Plan (CPP). Engaging with this process is crucial, as it’s the final step before care proceedings in Court. 

What Happens If I Receive a PLO Meeting Letter? 

After your Section 47 investigation has concluded, if the Local Authority decides to continue with a Public Law Outline (PLO) you will receive a letter inviting you to a PLO meeting.  

The letter should include the following information: 

• details of the Local Authority’s concerns 

• the support the Local Authority have already provided to your family 

• the proposed plan the Local Authority have for the PLO process 

• Information about the importance of having legal representation at the meeting.  

If you have received a PLO letter, it’s important to seek a solicitor specializing in PLO, as soon as possible. A solicitor can help you understand the implications of the concerns the Local Authority has raised and can help you to develop a strategy to address these concerns.  

What is a Local Authority PLO Meeting? 

A Local Authority Public Law Outline (PLO) meeting, also known as a Pre-Proceedings meeting, is held to address concerns about a child’s welfare and create a plan for assessments to resolve the identified issues. 

The meeting will typically last an hour or more, allowing open discussion to arrange the necessary support to safeguard the child. Various parties involved can include social workers, legal representatives, parents, and sometimes other professionals. During this time the Local Authority will review how the situation arose, assess the family’s needs, and consider what support can be provided. 

Your solicitor will attend to explain anything unclear and ensure everyone understands the outcome. Breaks may be requested by the Local Authority for private discussions with you. 

Do I Have to Attend a PLO Meeting? 

It’s very important to attend your PLO meeting to address the concerns raised and have input into the plans for your child. Attending allows you to ask questions, share your perspective, and contribute to the child’s welfare plan. If you choose not to attend, the Local Authority may proceed with immediate court action. 

If you are unable to attend, you must inform the Local Authority promptly to discuss alternative ways to stay involved in the process. 

Can I Reschedule a PLO Meeting? 

It may be possible to reschedule a Public Law Outline (PLO) meeting if you have a valid reason for doing so. Any request to reschedule must be made promptly, to ensure that the meeting can be rearranged without further delaying the case. 

Requests should be made to organisation responsible for the PLO meeting and need to provide a clear reason why you are unable to attend the PLO meeting at the scheduled time. You can also suggest alternative dates and times when you are available.  

Although in some cases you will have to reschedule, it should generally be avoided. Rescheduling a PLO meeting can potentially delay the progress of the case and may have implications for the child’s welfare. 

Who Attends a PLO Meeting? 

At the meeting, there will be several people attending. These attendees can include: 

• you, the subject parent(s) or guardian(s) 

• your legal representative 

• your children’s Social Worker 

• the Social Work Team Manager 

• the area manager 

• an individual from the Local Authority’s legal team 

What Happens in a PLO Meeting? 

A Public Law Outline (PLO) meeting is typically led by an area manager who will review each concern and seek your input or explanation. A pre-prepared plan of next steps, such as assessments of you, your children, or family members, will be discussed. You are not obligated to agree to these during the meeting. 

Your legal representative will explain the proposed plan before the meeting to ensure you have sufficient time to consider any decisions. The meeting also provides a chance for you to share your perspective and raise points that could influence the Local Authority’s course of action. 

At the meeting’s conclusion, the Local Authority will consider the information presented. The outcome may involve creating a collaborative plan to address concerns or, if the concerns are left unresolved, the Local Authority may initiate court proceedings. 

What Happens After a PLO Meeting 

After the PLO meeting, a Written Agreement is created. This will outline the Local Authority’s expectations for you and detail the support they will provide to address concerns. Your solicitor will be on hand to answer any further questions and provide guidance.  

A review PLO meeting is typically scheduled about 12 weeks later to evaluate progress. If successful, the process may be stepped down to a Child in Need or Child Protection Plan, avoiding court proceedings. 

However, if concerns continue, the PLO process may be extended or escalated to court proceedings, depending on the situation. 

How Long Does the PLO Process Last? 

The PLO process commonly lasts between 12 and 26 weeks. This allows time for any necessary changes to take place to address concerns raised by the Local Authority. The initial period, typically around 12 weeks, focuses on assessments, discussions, and implementing plans to safeguard the child. 

Extensions may be granted if additional time is needed to make progress or assess the situation thoroughly. Throughout the process, the Local Authority and other professionals provide support to help families meet their objectives and priorities the child’s well-being. 

Is Legal Aid Available for a PLO? 

Legal aid may be available for parents involved in a Public Law Outline (PLO) process if the case involves child protection issues or significant changes to a child’s care. 

To qualify, you must meet financial eligibility criteria based on your income and assets. Legal aid covers legal advice and representation, which is essential in complex cases. 

If you’re unsure if you’re eligible for legal aid, get in touch with our child care solicitors on 0345 894 1622 or fill out our online enquiry form. 

Do You Need a Solicitor for the PLO Process? 

We strongly recommend seeking a solicitor during the Public Law Outline (PLO) process. A care proceedings solicitor can guide you through any legal complexities, answer your questions, and ensure you understand the implications of your decisions. 

The Local Authority will have their legal team present, so having your own solicitor ensures you are on equal footing. A child care solicitor can also advocate for you during meetings, protecting your rights and interests. 

Get in Touch with Our PLO Solicitors 

If you’re involved in a PLO process or have concerns about your child’s welfare case, our child law team are here to help. Whether you need assistance understanding the process, preparing for a PLO meeting, or representing your interests, we’ll ensure your voice is heard. 

Contact us today on 0345 894 1622 or fill out our online enquiry form.