Call us now: 0141 429 8166
Call us now: 0141 429 8166
The most common emergency care order sought is a Child Protection Order (‘CPO’). A CPO is an emergency care order that lasts for a maximum of 8 working days under the Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011. A CPO requires to be reviewed by a Children’s Hearing within 2 working days and, if not terminated, again within 8 working days. There are rights of appeal against the making of a CPO, and against each of the decisions of the Children’s Hearings that follow.
The primary function of a CPO is to override an individual’s right to determine where their child (or a child in respect of whom they have parental rights) lives. CPOs can be sought by the local authority or any other individual where there is a belief that a child is at risk. These are one of the only types of application that are routinely considered by the Sheriff Court outwith normal business hours, reflecting the seriousness with which these matters are treated by the court.
Given that seriousness, and how quickly these applications are turned around, you should not delay in seeking legal advice and representation if there is even a mention of a CPO. Call our child protection lawyers on 0141 778 9657 today for specialist advice.
The removal of a child from a family without their consent is arguably the most significant interference with your rights that can take place on an emergency basis. In some cases, it can take months and even years to undo the harm caused where a child is removed in these circumstances. It is everyone’s interests to avoid that situation if at all possible and we are well placed to assist you and give you the best chance of doing so.
Ensuring the wellbeing of the child is our top priority, and our team can work with you to achieve the most beneficial outcome for that child. Get in touch with our child protection lawyers today on 0141 778 9657 or by completing our online contact form.
You have a human right to family life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. That right to family life should not be interfered with by social work services – or the Children’s Hearing – unless necessary.
Social work services can become involved with families for a range of reasons. Whatever the basis for that involvement – and however well-intentioned it may be – it can often cause great upset and disruption to family life. If you need specialist advice, please call our child protection lawyers on 0141 778 9657 or complete our online contact form today.
Social work investigations may amount to nothing and you can revert to normal family life in early course. However, it is often the case that these investigations are ongoing for weeks and months and can at times lead to a referral to the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration or an application for a Child Protection Order being made at the relevant sheriff court (see: Emergency Care Orders). It is never too early to seek advice in relation to social work involvement.
We can provide advice and assistance in relation to any social work involvement with your family and guide you through any investigatory stage, any child protection proceedings (including child protection case conferences) and any subsequent Children’s Hearing or court proceedings to ensure that your rights – and the rights of your family – are protected. Call our team today on 0141 778 9657 or complete our online contact form.
Despite being informal, some of the most important decisions in a families’ lives are made at Children’s Hearings. Our firm represents clients at hundreds of children’s hearings every year, no matter the location, guaranteeing you the effective representation you are entitled to.
We routinely represent parents – mothers, fathers, step-parents – and grandparents, aunts, uncles, and, most importantly, children at Children’s Hearings.
We have extensive experience representing kinship carers and foster carers.
Whether this is the Children’s Hearing you have ever been asked to attend or you have attended Children’s Hearings before, our experience means we can assist you in having your voice heard. Call our specialist child protection lawyers today on 0141 778 9657 or by completing our online contact form.
There are certain decisions which can be taken by a Pre-Hearing Panel, before a Children’s Hearing takes place, such as should a child attend a Children’s Hearing and whether someone should have Relevant Person Status in respect of a child? Our firm has dealt with these issues on many occasions.
We recognise that sometimes the wrong decision can be made. It is crucial that you understand the rights you have to ensure that justice is done for your family. We offer expert advice and representation in appeals to Sheriff Courts, and beyond, against the decisions of Children’s Hearings and Pre Hearing Panels.
We routinely provide advice and representation in appeals against decisions in respect of residence, contact and relevant person status.
When grounds of referral are brought, the Sheriff has an important role in determining the truth. These decisions can have long-lasting consequences for you and your children. We appreciate how daunting it can be for parents, particularly where they have no experience of such processes. We pride ourselves in ensuring we deliver the best possible representation available. Our specialist knowledge allows us to conduct cases in a manner tailor-made to securing you the best possible chance of the outcome you desire.
Our team of specialist solicitors can provide comprehensive guidance, bespoke to your situation. This can often be a complex area of the law, and the wellbeing of children involved is our top priority. Get in touch with our family lawyers today on 0141 778 9657 or complete our online enquiry form.
Nothing can be more devastating than a decision taken that a parent should not care for their child, or should not have contact with them. Parents (and children) have the right to fight to stay together. Having a specialist child protection solicitor in this complex, high stakes field is essential.
We have represented clients in Adoption and Permanence cases for over 25 years.
Our team of specialist child protection solicitors can provide comprehensive guidance, bespoke to your situation. This can often be a complex area of the law, and the wellbeing of children involved is our top priority. Get in touch with our team today on 0141 778 9657 or complete our online enquiry form.
Livingstone Brown is a leading firm of Scottish solicitors. Based in Glasgow, but dealing with cases around the country, the firm has been at the forefront of legal service provision for over thirty years.
If you have a legal problem, getting good quality legal information at the earliest stage can be invaluable. The firm offers a free initial enquiry service; all you have to do is call in, telephone, or e-mail. You won't be charged for your enquiry; we'll let you know by return whether we can help, what we can do, and how much it's likely to cost. We can also offer legal aid where available.
Led by former senior partner Gerard Brown CBE, who continues as a consultant, the firm has built up an enviable reputation for quality of service and client care.
The firm has won various awards over the years. In the 2019 edition of the prestigious Legal 500 rankings Livingstone Brown was ranked as a 'top-tier' firm for general criminal work, and is also recommended for fraud cases. Stuart Munro and Gerard Brown were named as 'Recommended Lawyers'. In the Chambers directory the firm has a Band 1 ranking for criminal work, and Stuart Munro is a ranked financial crime lawyer. The firm was named Criminal Defence Firm of the Year and Family Law Team of the Year at the Scottish Legal Awards 2019.
Reliable, expert advice you can trust. Get in touch today
