Pre proceedings

[Fizzy!]

Hi, i wonder if anyone could give advice about pre proceedings? What exactly do you have to do, what courses etc do you have to do, and how do you know if things are going well? Has anyone successfully gone through it?

[ItJustMe2026]

Hearing the word "pre-proceedings" is incredibly scary, but it is important to know that this is not court yet. This is actually your window of opportunity to fix things and keep your family together. Many, many parents go through this successfully and get Social Services out of their lives.

Here is a simple breakdown of how it works and what to look out for:

1. What exactly is Pre-Proceedings (PLO)?
PLO stands for Public Law Outline. It means Social Services are worried enough that they are thinking about going to court, but the law says they must give you one final chance to turn things around first.

You will get an official letter (a PLO Letter).

The most important step: Take that letter to a family solicitor immediately. Because it is a PLO matter, you get free legal aid automatically, regardless of your income. Your solicitor will sit in the meetings with you to protect your rights.

2. What courses do you have to do?
There isn't a single set list of courses because it depends entirely on why they are involved.

If it’s about behaviour/routines, they might ask you to do a parenting course (like Triple P or Freedom Programme).

If it’s about domestic abuse, mental health, or substance use, they will expect you to engage with specific local support services.

Do not argue about doing the courses. Even if you feel they aren't needed, show them you are 100% willing to cooperate. Voluntary engagement looks brilliant to a Judge if it ever did go to court.

3. How do you know if things are going well?
The PLO Meetings: You will have review meetings every 6 to 8 weeks with your solicitor, the social worker, and their manager. At the end of each meeting, ask directly: "What are the outstanding concerns, and what specific targets do I need to meet before the next review?"

Make sure you get the written minutes from every meeting. If the minutes say you are cooperating and the home is safe, things are going well.

If the social worker is turning up less frequently or their visits are relaxed and positive, it's a good sign the pressure is dropping.

The PLO process usually lasts between 3 and 6 months. If you do the work, attend the meetings, and work with your solicitor, the local authority will step down the proceedings, and the threat of court goes away.

You can absolutely do this. Find a legal aid solicitor first thing tomorrow morning and let them help you