The publication of the National Review on Vulnerable Unborn Babies and Infants marks an important moment for child safeguarding in England. The findings reinforce what many professionals working in care proceedings have long observed — that earlier intervention and better coordination are essential to protecting the most vulnerable.
More than 5,000 unborn babies and infants under the age of one were subject to child protection plans last year alone. The review makes clear that vulnerability at this stage is not only a safeguarding crisis but also an opportunity for earlier, more effective intervention.
What Are the Key Findings of the National Review?
The Panel highlights recurring systemic concerns:
- Concealed or late-disclosed pregnancies limiting pre-birth assessment
- Parental disengagement often rooted in trauma and mistrust
- Poor multi-agency coordination around domestic abuse, substance misuse, and prior removals
- Insufficient support for parents before and after child removal
These are not isolated issues. They reflect patterns frequently seen in care proceedings and serious safeguarding cases across the country.
What Challenges Do Parents Face in Care Proceedings?
From our experience representing parents in care proceedings, we know that the period before and after removal is one of the most challenging times in a family's life. Many parents face overlapping vulnerabilities including trauma histories, mental health difficulties, socio-economic disadvantage, and previous involvement with statutory services. Research also shows parents in care proceedings access emergency healthcare services at significantly higher rates than their peers, highlighting the crisis context many families are living in before proceedings even begin.
How Do We Support Families in Care Proceedings?
Our role extends beyond courtroom advocacy. We provide comprehensive, trauma-informed legal support that ensures parents' rights are protected while safeguarding concerns are properly addressed.
Our services include:
- Pre-proceedings advice and advocacy – Helping parents understand their rights and responsibilities before an application under s.31 Children Act 1989 is issued.
- Trauma-informed legal representation – Recognising how adverse childhood experiences, previous removals, and mistrust of services affect engagement and decision-making.
- Collaboration with professionals and experts – Ensuring the court has full and balanced evidence regarding parental capacity, health needs, and appropriate support.
- Representation in urgent and pre-birth proceedings – Safeguarding fairness and proportionality where swift decisions are required.
- Ongoing support beyond hearings – Assisting parents to engage with rehabilitation, therapeutic services, and longer-term planning to reduce repeat risk.
This holistic approach ensures that court decisions are informed not only by risk, but by a full understanding of the family's circumstances and support needs.
What Does This Mean for Future Safeguarding Practice?
The review's recommendations for clear national pre-birth guidance, trauma-informed practice, stronger information-sharing, and improved multi-agency coordination align closely with the issues regularly encountered in care proceedings. Importantly, the emphasis on meaningful support for parents both before and after child removal offers a pathway to breaking cycles of harm rather than simply responding to crisis.
We remain committed to working with families, professionals and policymakers to ensure that vulnerable babies — and their parents — receive the protection, fairness and support they deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are care proceedings?
Care proceedings are legal processes where a local authority asks the court to make decisions about a child's welfare, usually because of concerns about significant harm. Parents have the right to legal representation throughout.
Can I get legal aid for care proceedings?
Yes. Legal aid is available for parents involved in care proceedings regardless of income, as these cases involve the potential removal of children.
What is the Public Law Outline?
The Public Law Outline sets out the procedures courts must follow in care proceedings, including pre-proceedings steps and timetables designed to resolve cases within 26 weeks.
If you are affected by the issues raised, please contact our Care Team on 0161 665 3502 or email [email protected].
