Public Law Outline (PLO)
Public Law Outline (PLO) is a set of guidelines used by the family courts in England and Wales to manage public law cases involving children. These cases usually involve local authorities intervening in the lives of children and families to safeguard the welfare of the children. PLO sets out the procedures and timelines that must be followed in public law cases to ensure that decisions are made in a timely and fair manner.
Purpose of PLO
The main purpose of PLO is to ensure that public law cases are dealt with efficiently and effectively, with the best interests of the child being the paramount consideration. PLO aims to promote early intervention, timely decision-making, and active case management to reduce delays in the court process.
Key Principles of PLO
PLO is guided by several key principles that underpin its operation:
- Child’s Welfare: The welfare of the child is the paramount consideration in all decisions made under PLO.
- Proportionality: Any intervention by the local authority must be proportionate to the risks and concerns identified in the case.
- Participation: Children and families should be actively involved in the decision-making process and have their views taken into account.
- Transparency: All decisions made under PLO should be transparent, with reasons provided for any actions taken.
- Timeliness: Cases under PLO should be dealt with in a timely manner to minimise the impact on the child and family.
Stages of PLO
PLO consists of several stages that must be followed in public law cases. These stages are designed to ensure that cases are managed effectively and that decisions are made in a timely manner. The main stages of PLO are as follows:
Stage 1: Pre-proceedings
The pre-proceedings stage is the initial phase of PLO, where the local authority identifies concerns about a child’s welfare and decides whether legal action is necessary. During this stage, the local authority must work with the child and family to address any issues and try to reach an agreement on how to safeguard the child’s welfare without court intervention.
Stage 2: Issue of Proceedings
If the local authority decides that legal action is necessary, they will issue court proceedings to start the formal process. The court will then set a timetable for the case, including deadlines for the submission of evidence and the holding of hearings.
Stage 3: Case Management
During the case management stage, the court will actively manage the case to ensure that it progresses in a timely manner. The court may hold case management conferences to review progress, set deadlines, and make directions for the future conduct of the case.
Stage 4: Final Hearing
The final hearing is the last stage of PLO, where the court will make a final decision on the case. The court will consider all the evidence presented and make a judgement based on the best interests of the child.
The local authority plays a key role in public law cases under PLO. The local authority is responsible for identifying concerns about a child’s welfare, assessing the risks involved, and taking appropriate action to safeguard the child. The local authority must also work with the child and family to try to resolve any issues before court proceedings are initiated.
Role of the Court
The court plays a crucial role in public law cases under PLO. The court is responsible for making decisions on the case based on the evidence presented and the best interests of the child. The court must ensure that the case is managed effectively and that decisions are made in a timely manner to minimise the impact on the child and family.
Conclusion
Public Law Outline (PLO) is a set of guidelines used by the family courts in England and Wales to manage public law cases involving children. PLO aims to ensure that cases are dealt with efficiently and effectively, with the best interests of the child being the paramount consideration. By following the stages of PLO and adhering to its key principles, the courts and local authorities can work together to safeguard the welfare of children and families in need of support.
