Public Law Outline Meetings – What you need to know
If you’ve received an invitation to attend a Public Law Outline (PLO) meeting, it’s important to make sure you understand what is expected of you, and we can help guide you through this.
Firstly, if you receive an invitation to a PLO meeting, it is vital you check to make sure that you can attend the date set by your local authority (often referred to as children’s or social services).
Unfortunately, missing this meeting could lead to the local authority deciding to start care proceedings, and it’s also highly recommended to contact a child law solicitor (as it will be recommended in the letter from the local authority) in order that you are supported with the right information and understand the process.
What is a PLO meeting?
When social workers have concerns about a child’s physical, mental, or emotional health, the local authority may invite the parents to a PLO meeting, also known as a Pre-Proceedings Meeting (PPM). This meeting aims to discuss the concerns, understand your situation, and create a plan to avoid going to court.
Sometimes, the issues might be related to financial difficulties or other support needs that affect your ability to care for your child. This meeting can be a chance for the local authority to offer help and find solutions. No matter the reason for your PLO invitation, it’s important to seek legal representation to avoid missteps that could lead to further investigations or court proceedings.
How do I know I’ve been invited to a PLO meeting?
You’ll receive a letter from the social worker with the date of the PLO meeting and the reasons for the local authority’s concerns about your child or children.
What happens at the PLO meeting?
A PLO meeting includes the local authority, the social worker, usually a team manager, the parents, and their solicitors. Everyone gets a chance to speak, and the local authority will explain what needs to happen to avoid court proceedings. Your solicitor will guide you on what to expect during the meeting, how long it might last, and what will be discussed based on your specific circumstances. Often, another review PLO meeting will be scheduled to discuss any progress.
Will I be entitled to Legal Aid?
Yes, if you are a parent or have parental responsibility for a child, you are entitled to Legal Aid funding, regardless of your circumstances. Ramsdens offers some free legal advice for those going through child care proceedings and can help you secure funding for Legal Aid.
Frequently asked questions
PLO meetings are very serious — they are the last step before court proceedings. If parents or carers don’t cooperate with the local authority and make necessary changes, the local authority may proceed to court, which could result in the child being removed from their care.
Seek urgent legal advice immediately. Taking action early gives you the best chance of resolving issues with the local authority.
The length of a PLO meeting varies, but they typically last a few hours. The meeting continues until all concerns are thoroughly discussed and understood by everyone involved. The entire PLO process, including follow-up meetings and monitoring, can take up to nine months.
If parents or carers don’t meet the local authority’s requirements during this time, legal proceedings may begin at any point. This can also happen at any point in the PLO process.
