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 0151 242
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.