Social Services
Family and Civil Partnerships
Receiving a Public Law Outline (PLO) letter from the Local Authority can be stressful and confusing. Olivia Cameron explains what the PLO is and how we can assist you through the process.
I have received a PLO letter – what should I do?
It is important to take this letter to a family solicitor immediately. You will be entitled to free legal advice under Legal Aid.
The PLO process is a legal framework that the Local Authority uses to address concerns about a child’s welfare. When the Local Authority starts the PLO process, they will send the parents a ‘letter before proceedings.’ The letter will outline the main concerns, the help that has been provided by Children’s Services so far, and the steps you must take to reduce the likelihood of court proceedings. It will also schedule a date and time for you to attend a PLO meeting.
The PLO process is often the last opportunity for parents to make the required changes before the Local Authority make a court application for care proceedings to begin. If the matter goes to court, the Local Authority may apply for an order removing a child from your care.
What happens at a PLO meeting?
The meeting is usually attended by the Local Authority solicitor, Team Manager, Social Worker, the parents, and their solicitors. During the meeting, the Local Authority will go through the concerns outlined in the ‘letter before proceedings’ and provide any updates. During the meeting, the parents will have the opportunity to respond to the concerns. The purpose of this meeting is for the parents and Children’s Services to work together to put a plan in place to stop things escalating. This could include parenting assessments and drug testing.
It is essential that you engage with Children’s Services. The purpose of the process is to ensure the safety of your child and by willingly cooperating, you will put yourself in the best position for the children to remain in your care.
My son has received a PLO letter regarding the welfare of my grandchild, can I help?
Yes, you can. You should start by discussing the matter with your son and considering whether you would like to be put forward as an alternative carer for your grandchild.
During the PLO meeting, your son will be asked to provide names of people who may be able to care for the child if the Court decides it is not safe for the parents to do so. The Local Authority and the Court will first consider whether it is appropriate to place the child within the wider family. Before considering foster care or adoption, an assessment may be completed by the Local Authority to determine your suitability to care for the child.
