When concerns arise about the welfare and safety of children, the local authority may initiate Public Law Outline (PLO) pre-proceedings as part of the statutory process before formally considering court proceedings. A PLO meeting, sometimes referred to as a “legal gateway meeting”, means the local authority is concerned about the care of a child and is thinking about taking the matter to court. In this article, we discuss what a PLO is, what happens during the meeting, and what to expect if you are part of one.
When concerns arise about the welfare and safety of children, the local authority may initiate Public Law Outline (PLO) pre-proceedings as part of the statutory process before formally considering court proceedings. A PLO meeting, sometimes referred to as a “legal gateway meeting”, means the local authority is concerned about the care of a child and is thinking about taking the matter to court. In this article, we discuss what a PLO is, what happens during the meeting, and what to expect if you are part of one.
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What is a Public Law Outline (PLO) meeting?
A PLO meeting takes place when the local authority has been informed that a child is not receiving the care they should be in their home. There may have been previous interventions such as child in need plans (CIN process), or child protection plans (CP process), or it may be something that has happened out of the blue. Typically, the PLO process will be a last resort and gives parents the opportunity to make improvements to the child’s care before the local authority considers issuing formal care proceedings.
In general, the whole PLO process takes around three to six months to complete, depending on what assessments are required, although this is sometimes longer. If the local authority believes the child is in immediate danger, they may decide to go straight to court, particularly if they feel the child needs to be removed from their current situation as quickly as possible.
If the local authority proposes to convene a PLO meeting, they will send a letter to the child’s parent or carers.
What is contained in the PLO notification letter?
The letter outlines the concerns of the local authority regarding the child’s situation and provides guidance on necessary actions to prevent court proceedings. The letter will also give a date, time, and venue of the PLO meeting.
If you have received a letter from the social worker inviting you to a PLO meeting, it is sensible to consult a solicitor as soon as possible. You will be eligible for free legal advice (legal aid) to ensure you have proper representation and assistance during this critical stage of the child protection process.
Do I have to attend a PLO meeting?
It is advisable to attend a PLO meeting because your participation offers an essential platform from which you can address the local authority’s concerns. Non-attendance could potentially lead the local authority to bring court proceedings, because it indicates a lack of engagement on your part.
Attending a PLO demonstrates your willingness to collaborate with the local authority and resolve the issues. By actively taking part in the process, you enhance the opportunity to work with the local authority to find constructive solutions and potentially avoid the need for court intervention. This will be viewed as a proactive step towards addressing concerns and working towards the best possible outcome for all parties.
What happens at a PLO meeting?
During the PLO meeting, parents will meet with representatives from the local authority, including social workers, the solicitor for the local authority, and a chairperson who will cover the reasons for the meeting being convened. Parents will be given the opportunity to respond to the concerns outlined during the meeting.
Very often, the child’s parents are asked to sign a written agreement at the conclusion of the meeting setting out what is expected of them to avoid formal care proceedings taking place. It may also outline what support will be provided to the parents by the local authority to help them satisfy the care requirements. This document is not legally binding, however if the parents breach its terms, the local authority is likely to escalate the case to court.
At the end of the PLO meeting, a date will be set for a future meeting to examine the parent’s progress and demonstrate their engagement in the process. There is also likely to be a discussion as to what further work is needed and whether the PLO process needs to continue or if a lower level of intervention such as child protection or child in need can be implemented instead.
What should I do at the PLO meeting?
During the meeting, it is important to try to remain calm and avoid expressing anger or losing your temper, as remaining composed helps create a constructive atmosphere for discussions to take place. As stated above, you are likely to be presented with a written agreement, where, if you are legally represented, your solicitor will guide you through its contents and give advice on whether signing is in your best interests. Your solicitor will also have a private discussion about the agreement and engage with the local authority’s solicitor to negotiate the terms. It is important to note that signing the agreement is a voluntary decision, and you will not be compelled to do so.
After committing to the terms in the written agreement, it is crucial you go away and follow through on your commitments. Failing to do so, whether it involves therapy, participation in a domestic violence course, or undergoing a psychiatric or psychological assessment, could lead to court proceedings based on non-compliance.
What happens after the PLO meeting?
The review date tends to be scheduled around 12 weeks after the initial PLO meeting, and serves as an opportunity to assess the outcomes of various evaluations. A comprehensive review of developments (good and bad) since the first PLO meeting will also take place. During the review, the local authority will discuss the progress made and confirm the next steps in the process.
Subsequent actions may involve concluding the PLO process if satisfactory progress has been made. Consistent engagement and fulfilment of the written agreement can significantly impact the resolution of the matter outside of court, and means that the level of involvement of the local authority is significantly reduced. If progress is maintained, then the local authority may bow out altogether.
However, if problems persist, the local authority may decide to extend the PLO process or begin court proceedings.
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