If you are pregnant, the Local Authority may become involved if they have reasons for concern upon the birth of your child, that the child could suffer significant harm.  Triggers that could lead the Local Authority to become involved are previous child death in the family or removal of a child, alcohol or drug abuse, mental health issues, domestic violence, failure to cooperate with medical care.  If the Local Authority become involved they will carry out a pre-birth assessment to assess the level of danger/risk your unborn child is at.  If they feel that the child could suffer significant harm when born, they can remove your child at birth from the hospital.

It is so important that from the very beginning you are represented and supported to ensure Social Services’ concerns are addressed and hopefully a removal avoided. 

Legal aid is available to represent you.