Understanding Non-Accidental Injury and Care Proceedings

May 18, 2023

When a child is injured due to an alleged non accidental injury, parents can find themselves in the difficult position of having to face social services entering court proceedings. There are many questions that arise when this happens, such as how it works and what you should do if you find yourself in this situation. Here’s a brief overview of what non-accidental injury is, how care proceedings work, and steps that can be taken if your family is involved in a case like this.

What Is Non-Accidental Injury?

Non-accidental injury is an injury that has been deliberately inflicted upon a child by a perpetrator. This could include physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and/or emotional abuse. It’s important to note that not all injuries are non-accidental; some may have an accidental cause, be the result of natural causes, or a medical condition.

That’s why it’s essential for medical professionals to accurately diagnose the cause of the injury before any further action is taken and for medical professionals to investigate the injury and any explanations provided as to the cause A number of medical experts will be considered, dependent on the injury, and requested to look at the injury and the causes around this.

What Are Care Proceedings?

Care proceedings are started when social services become involved with a family due to concerns over the safety and welfare of children. Social services will be concerned that the child or children are at risk of or suffering harm, and this is linked to the parenting and care the children receive or are likely to receive.

During care proceedings, there will be investigations carried out by social workers as well as assessments and reports written on behalf of both parents and children. The outcomes vary depending on each individual case but could include anything from  children remaining at home with their parents and work around parenting being completed, to the children living outside the family either with other family members or being placed in the care of social services in the long term. Sadly, for younger children, adoption may be considered.

What Can I Do If My Family Is Involved in Care Proceedings?

It can be incredibly overwhelming if your family is going through care proceedings due to an alleged non-accidental injury. The best thing you can do is seek legal advice from a qualified solicitor who specialises in these types of cases so they can provide you with support throughout this difficult process.

Additionally, it’s important to keep track of any evidence related to your case and co-operate fully with social workers who may be conducting investigations or writing reports on behalf of your family during these proceedings.

Non-accidental injury cases are complex and the associated care proceedings can be stressful for all parties involved.

It’s important for families affected by these cases to remember that they have rights during these processes and should seek out legal advice. For parents going through care proceedings free legal aid is available. By understanding how non-accidental injuries are confirmed and what care proceedings involve, parents will be better equipped to handle such cases with confidence should they ever arise within their own families.