In most cases, Public Family Law is not a ‘Black & White’ system. Each case is personal to those involved and therefore many questions cannot be answered with a clear answer.

There are however some common questions which can be answered simply. Please see below the answers to many of those that are often asked. If you cannot see the answer to your query then please feel free to contact us and we will endeavour to assist you.

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1. How do Grandparents get involved in care proceedings ?

   For grandparents to be involved in care proceedings they need to apply to become a party to the case. This involves filling in form C2 and taking it to the court. There may be a fee.

2. A Social Worker called. Can Social Services just come in to my home ?

   No. They have what they call "statutory visits". These are not statutory visits, there is no such thing. They cannot insist that they enter your home. They do have a duty to investigate under s47 CA 1989 when a referal about your family is made. As part of this they would like to come in to your home but you are not obliged to let them.

3. I needed some help with my children as I couldn’t cope. I put them in voluntary care with my local authority and now I cannot have my children back. ?

   Under s20 CA 1989 "Provision of accommodation for children general" subsection 8 says quite clearly that a person with pr can remove a child from local authority accomodation. This also includes contact centres. "A person with parental responsibility for a child may at any time remove the child from accommodation provided by or on behalf of the local authority under this section"

4. I can’t see the answer to my question here ?

   Please contact emily.wilson-gavin@justice-for-families.org.uk and we will endeavour to assist you as best we can