PRACTICAL TIPS
This page is here to give you some practical tips and help you understand what to do if social services contact you or turn up at your door in England and Wales. It’s general guidance, not legal advice, and every situation is different. If you’re unsure about your rights or your situation is serious, it’s always best to speak to a qualified solicitor or appropriate professional as soon as you can.
Practical Guidance: If Social Service Ask You To Sign A Section 20 (Children Act 1989)
Section 20 of the Children Act 1989 allows a local authority to accommodate a child only with genuine parental consent. It is not a court order, and parents are not required to agree. Consent must be freely given and can be withdrawn at any time. If a parent feels pressured or coerced, any agreement may be unlawful.
Practical Guidance: Recording Meetings with Social Services and Professionals
Many parents and carers are unaware that it is lawful to record meetings with social services, schools, NHS professionals, and other agencies, provided the recording is for personal use, such as keeping an accurate record of what was said.
Recording meetings can be an important safeguard. It helps ensure accuracy, prevents misunderstandings, and protects families where decisions may later be disputed or relied upon in reports or court proceedings.