In some cases, there may be a police investigation involved if you have been accused of causing harm to your child as this could amount to a series of criminal offences.

The law is particularly protective of minors and it is a criminal offence for parents and others who are charged with the care of a child to neglect such a child. Child cruelty in general, exposing children to harmful publications where acts of crime are being committed, exposure to cruelty or violence and incidents which are naturally repulsive or of a horrible nature all constitute a crime under the Children and Young Persons Act.

It is a criminal offence for anyone in charge of the care and protection of a child to wilfully assault, ill-treat, neglect, abandon and/or expose such child or children to any situation or incident which may potentially cause the child to suffer unnecessarily; physically or mentally. It is also a criminal offence to permit others to mistreat and expose children to unnecessary danger and injury.

This is an often complex area of law involving challenging issues. You will need the best legal advice as soon as possible to ensure that your rights are protected and the proper procedures followed. It is important that you have a solicitor present if you are going to be interviewed by the police in respect of an allegation concerning your child, there could be implications in your family case and the best possible advice should be sought.

You have the right to have a legal representative present in such situations.

Call our helpline on 020 3889 8900