Choosing to make a claim against social services can be an extremely difficult decision.
Whether the claim is regarding an event that happened years ago, or very recently, it can be
painful and often difficult to talk about. RKB Law have handled these types of claims for over
10 years, meaning our experienced solicitors understand the need for confidentiality and
sensitivity. When dealing with social services claim cases, our aim is to make the process as
stress-free as possible for our clients.
Time shouldn’t hold you back. If you’re wondering if it’s too late to bring up a claim, the
answer will always be no. We have represented clients that have bought up claims from up
to 30 years ago. If you are unsure, just pick up the phone or visit our office for a free
consultation chat. We are keen to help in what is considered the most difficult area of law. If
you are looking for more information on how we can support you in your fight against the
social services, please read through this blog written by our specialist solicitors.
Can You Claim Against Social Services?
Social Services are a government-led organisation that aim to protect the wellbeing of
children and vulnerable adults. They have a duty of care to protect these vulnerable
members of society, however, they can often get situations very wrong.
You can claim against local authorities if you believe you have suffered wrongly at the hands
of social services. Even if the events occurred several years, or even decades ago, our team
at RKB Law may still be able to help you with a claim.
What Claims Can I Make Against Social Services?
RKB Law solicitors can support you through the following claims:
• Care requirements
• Loss of earnings
• Medication
• Physical Injury
• Psychological trauma
• Abuse claims against a social worker
• Abuse whilst in care
• Negligence of social services
• Removal of children without consent
• Abuse by foster carers
Why Are Social Services Getting Involved?
You may or may not be aware that when social services become involved in a situation, it is
important to remain calm. We understand that it is natural to feel anxious and frightened,
however remaining calm and seeking advice may benefit your unique situation.
Families often feel nervous at the prospect of social services involvement because of
experiences they may have heard from others, or just because they are frightened that
social workers will remove their children from the family home.
Here are a range of different reasons as to why social services may become involved in your
family:
• A family may request family support services from social services at times of stress or for
help regarding a particular child or family problem.
• A teacher or GP can make a request/referral on a family’s behalf.
• There might be child protection issues for the child(ren), including cases where violence
between adults could result in harm to the children. They may have been notified of this
violence by the police.
• There may be concerns regarding drugs or alcohol in the home.
• A parent may request that a child be temporarily placed in foster or residential care as an
emergency to help with challenging behaviour, or to provide a planned break or a series of
short breaks at a time of particular stress.
• Where children are taken into care following emergency intervention by the police or a
court order.
• There may be concerns that a child has suffered a non-accidental injury.
• To help families assess any problems that are affecting the children and signpost them to
appropriate community-based support and services.
Will I Have to Pay for my Claim?
In some cases, RKB Law solicitors in Kent may be able to support your claim with legal aid
funding; we can also help you with the application process for this. If you do not qualify for
legal aid funding, we can explore types of funding such as ‘No Win No Fee’ agreements.
Regardless of which route you take, our experienced and understanding lawyers in Kent
Maidstone will be able to help you.
What is the Claims Process?
To make a compensation claim against social services, the first step you need to take is
contacting a solicitor at RKB for support. We can then discuss the circumstances of your
claim, advise you on whether or not we think you can claim and work out whether you could
benefit from legal aid. Our experienced team will explain every step of the process to you,
calming you and guiding you through the claim. We usually follow the same four stages:
1. Investigation
Our lawyers take a full history from you, taking time to understand what happened and
when. We’ll note any injuries or psychological trauma you’ve experienced as a result
and we may refer you for a medical or psychological examination to investigate the full
impact. We may also look into records kept by the police, courts, schools, Local Authorities,
or medical institutions. We’ll also need to work out who the claim will be made against. It
could be an individual, or an organisation either responsible for that person’s actions, or for
your safety. If it’s an individual, our investigators will have to look into their financial assets to
find out if they’ll be able to pay any settlement we agree.
2. Rehabilitation
Abuse, whether physical, sexual or emotional, can have a long-lasting impact on an
individual’s state of wellbeing and shouldn’t be taken lightly. RKB Law will help and guide
you through the rehabilitation process if needed. Our experienced lawyers in Kent can
support you in accessing any medical or psychological care and support your needs, both
now and in the future.
3. Compensation
Our experienced solicitors can offer a wealth of knowledge in this area of law. We’ll work out
how much compensation you should get based on the severity of your injuries or trauma,
your pain and suffering, any medical expenses you’ve had to pay and whether your abuser
has impacted your ability to find work.
4. Results
If your opponent accepted blame, you’ll be awarded compensation. If not, the case will be
settled in court – although this is rare. In the unfortunate event of having to go to court, do
not worry, we’ll be there to support you every step of the way.
If you have been subjected to any form of mistreatment by social services, either in a recent
case or in the past, RKB Law expert solicitors can help you to pursue a compensation claim
that you deserve. To speak to a solicitor who specialises in claims against social services,
please get in touch today. All enquiries are treated with the strictest confidence, so you can
be left with peace of mind that we are on your side.
Photo by Giammarco Boscaro on Unsplash
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
