What is Public Law Outline? (PLO)

The Public Law Outline (also known as PLO) sets out the duties the Local Authority have when they are considering issuing court proceedings.

The PLO process is usually initiated if the Local Authority are concerned about the welfare of a child or the care they are receiving. This is often the last opportunity to make the necessary changes before court proceedings are initiated. If the Social Worker feels that the concerns are too significant they may issue court proceedings without completing the PLO process.

The first stage of the PLO process is a Letter Before Proceedings. This sets out the concerns the Local Authority have in respect of the child and the work that has been undertaken to date. The letter will include a date for the first PLO meeting, this will usually be within 7 days of the letter. You will be eligible for free legal advice (Legal Aid) upon the receipt of the Letter Before Proceedings, therefore it is important that you present the letter to a solicitor as soon as you receive it, the solicitor will then be able to represent you at the PLO meetings.   

The meeting will be attended by you, your solicitor, the Social Worker, the Social Worker’s manager and a legal representative for the Local Authority. At the first PLO meeting the Local Authority will discuss their concerns in detail, what work has been completed so far and what improvements need to be made in order to prevent the Local Authority from issuing court proceedings. A detailed plan will be made which may include speaking with other family members to understand your support network. A parenting assessment is usually undertaken at this stage.

Following this, a PLO meeting will then take place every 6 weeks to review the progress that has been made. The PLO process usually lasts around 3 months, after this time the Local Authority will decide the next course of action:

1. The Local Authority may decide that the necessary changes have been made to alleviate their concerns and the matter can be stepped down and managed through Child Protection Plan.
2. The PLO process can be extended if the Local Authority feel that you are making significant progress but need additional time to meet the goals of the Local Authority.
3. Alternatively, if after 3 months you have not improved sufficiently then the Local Authority will seek to take the matter to court and issue proceedings.  

If you have received a Letter Before Proceedings it is important that you seek expert legal advice swiftly. Our experienced solicitors are on hand to advise and support you, please contact us today to make an appointment with one of our dedicated Care team.