In this blog, we explain what Child and Family Assessments are, what they involve, and what your rights are.

A care order does not remove the parent’s parental responsibility, but gives the local authority shared responsibility in making important decisions for the child. 

This article explains the threshold criteria in care proceedings, a legal test that must be met before a court can issue a care or supervision order. It outlines what constitutes significant harm, how the threshold is determined, and what happens if it is met. Switalskis expert child care team offers guidance and legal support for those involved in care proceedings.

This article explains Section 20 of the Children Act 1989, which allows local authorities to provide accommodation for children in need through a voluntary agreement with those holding parental responsibility.

Our child care law team explore what parental responsibility is and who is automatically entitled to it. They also look at what happens if you have to share parental responsibility with social services.

A ‘child arrangements order’ (CAO) is an order made by the Family Courts of England & Wales setting out where a child lives, who they have contact with and how that contact is to take place.

This article explains the CAFCASS Welfare Checklist, a key factor in family court decisions regarding child custody. It outlines the considerations under the Children Act 1989, including a child's wishes, needs, and welfare. Understanding this checklist is essential for parents involved in CAFCASS proceedings. Switalskis' expert family law team is available to provide legal support and guidance.

This article explains the typical timeline for child care proceedings, including the 26-week legal target and reasons why some cases take longer. It covers key factors that may cause delays, such as international elements, specialist assessments, and parental progress. Switalskis expert family and child care team offers legal support to help families navigate the process.