At J C Hughes, we know how frightening and worrying it can be if the Social Work Department becomes involved with your family. You may have sought assistance yourself due to concerns about your child, or they may have been accused of a criminal offence.
Whatever the reason, once the Social Work Department becomes involved, matters can often escalate at an alarming pace.
If serious concerns are raised about your child’s behaviour or your ability to care for them, you may be asked to attend a Children’s Panel.
This panel has extensive powers to decide what should be done to protect and promote the welfare of children. You will have the opportunity to have your say at a Panel Hearing, and are entitled to have a legal representative with you.
At J C Hughes we have extensive experience in all aspects of Children’s Hearing procedure. We regularly appear at Children’s Panel Hearings and cases which have been referred to the Sheriff Court. We also frequently lodge appeals on behalf of clients against decisions reached by the Panel or at the Sheriff Court.
Above all, we offer clear, sensible and sensitive advice to ensure the best possible outcome at a very worrying time.