< Go Back Who Are Social Services and What Do They Do? Posted: Nov 1, 2022 Most people are aware of the term ‘social services’ but unless they’ve been involved in your life, you may not actually be aware of what they do or how they can benefit lives. It pays to have an understanding of who social services are, what services they offer and how they can be used to support you should you need it.
Who Are Social Services? Social services are a government run department that works hard to protect the interests and wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults. This could be in situations where their home life might endanger them or be a detriment to their health or within education or other facilities where complaints have been made for concerns regarding their welfare. The right department can be found using your local authority.
What Do Social Services Do? People are often worried when social services get involved in a situation. There's often a stigma against them, although this stems from many people not having an understanding of their role.
However, social services don’t aim to remove children or vulnerable adults from their homes. In fact, it’s the last thing they want to do. In most cases, the family home is the best place for them in order to lead a normal life.
Social services are there to offer support and guidance and put in steps to ensure the child’s welfare. They aim to safeguard children or dependants and would only resort to removing them from a home if this were the only course of action left to protect them.
You may be contacted by social services if:
· Another family member has requested assistance on your behalf.
· A school has requested a referral.
· You have contacted yourself to seek assistance in times of hardship.
· There are concerns regarding an injury to a child.
· A child has been removed from a home situation due to an emergency.
· There are concerns about drug or alcohol addiction in the home.
If you have been contacted by social services, it’s important not to panic. Social services are there to investigate all complaints made and to protect your child. If there’s nothing wrong in the home, then social services may determine that no further action is needed. It’s essential that you understand social services are there to help and do what’s best for your child.
Initially, an assessment will be conducted in your home. They will contact you via letter to make you aware of a time and date for attendance. Next steps will be determined by their report and will be agreed by you at the time.
It’s important to note that a child will never be removed from a home without due cause or during an initial assessment, so this meeting is nothing to worry about.
How Fosse Law Can Help With Social Services Communication If you receive a letter from social services regarding concerns for the welfare of your child or dependant, then you may want to seek legal assistance. Fosse Law can provide you with a qualified solicitor, specialising in family law. They can support and guide you through this process and accompany you to meetings to resolve the situation, giving you peace of mind.
If social services have made you aware of their intention to go to court, then you should seek legal assistance immediately. These types of cases are non-means tested, so you should be eligible for legal aid regardless of your financial situation.
If you have been contacted by social services and you’re worried about the next steps,contact Fosse Law today for helpful and professional support.