The Guardian
One important feature of Care Proceedings, is that a Children's Guardian is appointed by the Court, an independent welfare officer, who has a responsibility to ensure that the children's views (if they are old enough) are put to the Court, and to prepare a detailed report recommending action. In practice, the Guardian will act completely independently, making recommendations and suggestions during the Court Proceedings, and will appoint an independent solicitor to represent the childrens interests at the same time. The childrens solicitor must be a member of the Children Panel approved by the Law Society.
The independence of the Guardian is most important. Their experience is vital to Care Proceedings, and they will frequently take an active role, pressing the Local Authority into action, and the parents into response. At the end of the day, the Guardian's report is the most important document before the Court.