What is a Public Law Outline and how does it work?

I have two children and children’s services are worried about my alcohol use; my children’s school attendance; and about whether I can look after them.

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I used to consume alcohol quite excessively, but this has reduced during the last few months. I am worried they will remove my children. They have mentioned a PLO. What is it?

The Local Authority will become involved when they are worried about the safety of a child who lives in their area. There are different levels of Local Authority involvement.

PLO is short for “Public Law Outline”. This is initiated when the Local Authority have significant concerns about children in their area, however it is hoped that changes can be brought about through cooperation and intervention, and in an attempt to avoid the necessity of resorting to a Court Application.