Child in need meeting - please help

[JusticeSystem]

Can anyone advise whether it is usual - or even allowed - for a parent to take their solicitor to a social services 'child in need' meeting with both parents and schools etc present?

Argh, I’ve just read they can.

My concern is that professionals may not feel comfortable and all parties need to be prepared to share information with each other. If one parent is represented by their solicitor could the other parent or other professionals feel intimidated by the solicitor presence?

If this happens, would the other parent's solicitor potentially negate what's happening or take the opportunity to examine information and later cross examine either the parent or other professionals in the meeting and pick holes in what anyone is saying?

Would this hijack the meeting's intent
and be wholly inappropriate and dangerous for the children, or is it normal, expected practice and nothing to fear.

Hoping someone here has some insight.

I’d think it sensible as you are then free to really listen to what is being said rather than trying to get your own POV across. That’s your solicitor’s job. You will be much more relaxed within the meeting then.

Do people normally do this?

This says the solicitor can only watch on...

I’m an ex Child protection Social Worker. The Solicitor is only allowed to be there in there professional capacity to support the agent, they are not allowed to take part in the meeting or ask any questions. Professionals will not be intimidated by a Solicitor being present in any way, all information will be shared and discussed in the usual manner. Can I ask why you are concerned about a Solicitor being present?

Professionals will not be intimidated by a Solicitor being present in any way, all information will be shared and discussed in the usual manner.

Exactly this. It shouldn't really make any difference and I'd be astonished if the health professionals felt intimidated due to a solicitors presence!

@LadyPenelope68

I’m an ex Child protection Social Worker. The Solicitor is only allowed to be there in there professional capacity to support the agent, they are not allowed to take part in the meeting or ask any questions. Professionals will not be intimidated by a Solicitor being present in any way, all information will be shared and discussed in the usual manner. Can I ask why you are concerned about a Solicitor being present?

Thank you for commenting.

I am relieved that they would not be intimidated. I think that, the main reason it's a CIN case is domestic abuse related as my refuge contact has apparently been invited, and its that erosion of my confidence makes me feel threatened that he will somehow use his Rottweiler solicitor against me to twist everything or knock any concerns I might voice down to the ground. The fact the solicitor couldn't say anything is comforting, I imagined it becoming a non-court case that I am unprepared for!

@DropYourSword

Professionals will not be intimidated by a Solicitor being present in any way, all information will be shared and discussed in the usual manner.

Exactly this. It shouldn't really make any difference and I'd be astonished if the health professionals felt intimidated due to a solicitors presence!

That's a relief to know.

I currently feel like ex and his solicitor are wolves baying for blood and I'm stuck there with a broken leg so can't even run!

The social worker was encouraging early on, in the sense that she told me I am a good Mum and have done well to protect my children the way I have. I probably don't need to be afraid but my ex is a powerful man and I fear he could turn even a social worker.

He can but it seems like an enormous waste of money. None of the professionals will be intimidated by a solicitor. Their focus will be on the child.

His very rich parents are paying for all of this.

But the main thing is, it doesn't take their eyes of the prize, which is the safety of the children. That is all I care about too.

A CIN plan is voluntary
Has that been explained to you?

Do you understand the threshold and its relevance in terms of safeguarding etc.

If anything your ex is the one who should be concerned not you by the sounds of it

Think that's why he's going in all guns blazing.

Although it is voluntary, I desperately want it because I need my children to be safe. What fears me is that he could dismiss everything through his solicitor, if they can make social services afraid of being sued or anything.

You would not believe the stuff this man has got away with thus far.

It actually alerts professionals to the power games he can play. They will be wise to it and it is a way of trying to exert control. It certainly won't take people's eyes off what is happening.

Oh thank God for that.

I really need them to see things so clearly.

Bringing a solicitor is unusual and I always took it as a warning sign when I worked in child protection that something was out of kilter.

Social workers are used to solicitors, giving evidence in court and similar, they won't be particularly concerned about doing their job.

They might wonder how controlling the person arriving with the solicitor was.

@backtobusy

Bringing a solicitor is unusual and I always took it as a warning sign when I worked in child protection that something was out of kilter.

Social workers are used to solicitors, giving evidence in court and similar, they won't be particularly concerned about doing their job.

They might wonder how controlling the person arriving with the solicitor was.

Would you have assumed the old of kilter part was the parent who brings the solicitor (controlling) or the fact they need protecting from the other parent who is controlling?

The person who brings the solicitor in my experience usually has a high need for control.

They were often senior career people who were used to using money and power to get what they wanted.

Social workers are perfectly used to dealing with legal people and it is nothing more than a waste of the client's money because the system isn't set to allow legal input at that level but such people usually won't be advised.

That's exactly the picture of my ex, for sure. Such a comfort to know this is an actual thing and social workers are adept at seeing it coming.