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What if a parent refuses to sign an agreement?

 
If our Children's Services team thinks that a child is at risk of significant harm, and those with parental responsibility won't give consent for a child to become looked after, a court application may be made to remove the child from the family home.  

Right to legal representation

The social worker must complete an assessment, and provide a full statement and Care Plan so that the judge can make an informed decision. Those with parental responsibility have the right to legal representation, and a solicitor and a guardian will represent the child’s interests.  

If the child is made subject to a full care order, parental responsibility is shared with the local authority and permanent care plans are made. These may be:

Further information

Please contact our Children's Services using the contact information in the menu on the right if you would like to know more. 

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Children's Services

  • 020 8921 3172