Children's social services
Wide ranging advice and support for local authorities and other
public, private and third sector organisations concerned with the
welfare of children…
Children’s Social Services is one of the most
complex areas of the law, as decisions are made, often on behalf of
very vulnerable young people, which can have far reaching
consequences. Ensuring that the best interests of these children
are represented at all times is of paramount importance, and thus
it is essential that professionals who work with children are
properly advised on their duties and obligations.
Weightmans’ specialist Children’s Social
Services team covers all aspects of child law, both individual
cases and also wider strategic issues. We have knowledge and
expertise on all aspects of child protection, fostering, adoption
and the implications of the Children Act 1989, the Adoption &
Children Act 2002 the Children Act 2004 and the Children and Young
Persons Act 2008.
Perhaps more importantly, we also understand
the discretion and diplomacy with which these issues must be dealt.
Our team includes solicitors who have previously worked for local
authorities and who understand the wider sensitivities of such
matters. They also appreciate the demands placed on Children’s
Services Departments and the pressures that they face on a
day-to-day basis. This unique insight allows us to balance the
needs of the child, the resources of the departments and the
requirements of the law, to find meaningful solutions to both
specific cases and general policy issues.
We also provide advice, support and training
on legislation and government guidance for senior managers and
those working directly with service users.
In addition our team uses its experience and
expertise to provide quality advice and training to the NHS and
other health care providers on issues involving children, such as
consent to treatment, patient confidentiality, inquests and
multi-agency liaison. For further information on this aspect of
child law click here.
For further information please contact Morris
Hill on 0151242 7990 or by email morris.hill@weightmans.com,
or Sallie Harrington on 0207 822 1980 or by email sallie.harrington@weightmans.com
Morris and Sallie are associate solicitors in
the Local Government team and specialise in all aspects of
education and children and adults social services law.