27 Jul 2026

A Public Law Outline (PLO) meeting is a formal meeting between a local authority’s children’s services department and a child’s parents or carers when the local authority is seriously concerned about a child’s safety or welfare. It is part of the Public Law Outline, which is the legal process that local authorities in England and Wales follow before asking a court to make a care order or supervision order. The aim of a PLO meeting is to give parents a final opportunity to make changes that will keep their child safe without the local authority having to start court proceedings.

Before the meeting

Parents usually receive a “Letter Before Proceedings”, which:

• Explains the local authority’s concerns.
• Invites them to a PLO meeting.
• Encourages them to obtain legal advice.

Parents are generally entitled to free legal aid for advice and representation at a PLO meeting, regardless of their income or savings, provided they have received a Letter Before Proceedings.

Who attends?

A PLO meeting often includes:

• The parents or carers.
• Their solicitor.
• The child’s social worker.
• A manager from children’s services.
• A local authority solicitor.
• Sometimes other professionals, depending on the circumstances.

What happens?

At the meeting:

• The local authority explains its concerns in detail.
• Parents have an opportunity to respond and give their perspective.
• Everyone discusses what changes are needed to reduce the risks to the child.
• A written agreement may be made, setting out the actions expected of the parents and the support the local authority will provide.
• A plan is put in place going forward, for example, a parenting assessment.

Examples of actions might include engaging with substance misuse treatment, attending parenting programmes, ensuring the child attends school, or allowing professionals access to the home.

What happens afterwards?

There are several possible outcomes:

• The concerns improve, and the PLO process ends without court action.
• The local authority continues to monitor progress, often through further PLO meetings.
• The concerns remain or worsen, and the local authority may decide to apply to the family court for a care order or supervision order.

How is a PLO meeting different from a child protection conference?

A child protection conference focuses on assessing whether a child needs a Child Protection Plan and coordinating agencies to reduce risk. It is a safeguarding meeting rather than a legal one.

A PLO meeting happens when the local authority believes the concerns are serious enough that it is actively considering taking the case to court. It is part of the legal pre-proceedings process and gives parents an opportunity to avoid court by making the necessary changes.

If you’ve been invited to a PLO meeting, it’s important to read the Letter Before Proceedings carefully and speak to a solicitor before the meeting. The solicitor can explain the concerns, advise you on your rights, and represent you during the meeting. Having the right legal advice from the beginning can have a significant impact. If the Local Authority have contacted you about commencing a PLO meeting, do not hesitate to contact our Child Care team, who will be able to assist you.