We specialise in representing families where Children’s Services have become involved due to concerns about the care of a child. These concerns could include, for example, risk of physical or emotional harm or neglect.
When Children’s Services start a Section 17 or Section 47 assessment, we know this can be extremely worrying for a parent. You may have received a ‘Letter Before Proceedings’. We understand the gravity of these situations and can provide clear cut advice as to what this means for you and your family.
If your child has been placed on a Child In Need or Child Protection Plan, or the Public Law Outline (PLO) has been initiated, we can help. Our experienced lawyers can provide comprehensive advice and steadfast support throughout these challenging situations, attending meetings with you to ensure that your voice is heard.
When children cannot remain in the care of their parents, wider family members can play an important role. If you are a relative, such as a grandparent, caring for a child, you may wish to formalise this placement. We can advise and assist you on the best way to achieve this.
We regularly represent clients in court proceedings brought by the Local Authority who may be seeking to remove a child from their parents’ care. Our skilled and empathetic lawyers can help you focus on what you need to do to achieve the best outcome for the child. We instruct experienced barristers to fight your case in court.
Legal aid is automatically available to deal with some child protection cases.
We can advise and represent you in relation to Supervision Orders, Care Orders and Special Guardianship Orders.
Rated
4.3 on Google Review
Liz Cockram
7 months agoI highly recommend Hannah Adams and the team at Shentons. They were all incredibly kind, patient and really listened to the details of our particular situation. We were seen quickly, which was very important for us due to EHCP Tribunal deadlines. The expertise and depth of information we recieved in meetings and reports was invaluable. It also allowed me to proceed with clarity and confidence, where I had previously felt lost in the vast amount of very subject specific paperwork which had been sent to us. We followed Hannah's advice when looking for other professionals to assess our child and gain the relevant reports. We also followed up on a possible area of need she identified, resulting in a new diagnosis and subsequent support from the NHS. I am incredibly happy to say my child is enjoying his second week at our chosen school, something the LA finally agreed to after nearly a year of fighting but 5+ months before our court date. Our child is now in a setting which will support him for the next 7.5 years.Posted on Google
Jennifer Cole
8 months agoShentons helped me through a really difficult time in my life when I was locked in a legal battle with my old partner about our joint house. I am so grateful for Shentons' excellent counsel, efficiency and human touch. I did get a great outcome in the end which has meant I can be free and financially secure again.Posted on Google
Abi Alsford
6 months agoRachael, Alex and the team were amazing during my custody case. They were reassuring, helpful and professional every step of the way. I can’t thank them enoughPosted on Google
Teresa Walker
11 months agoShentons have provided my son with brilliant support throughout a court case. From very first contact, we have had an amazing and highly professional defence. Call backs have always happened when scheduled, the lawyers have been clear, realistic and honest about outcomes. In court support has been reassuring and we felt that the very best defence was prepared and delivered. The barrister appointed was also outstanding and did a wonderful job on both court appearances. My son, the defendent, has learning disabilities/ autism. This was taken into consideration ideation throughout and he was treated with kindness and empathy. We are so grateful for the care and support that we have received. I cannot recommend Shentons more highly.Posted on Google
News and Articles
Hannah Adams Head of Special Educational Needs
Chloe Jay Senior Partner
Elisabeth Pollard Partner
Elizabeth Cookson Solicitor
Rachael Cole Partner
