Complaints & Oversight Bodies

When systems fail, there are still channels to be heard.

The Reality

Many parents feel ignored — not just by their ex, but by the very institutions meant to protect children.
Whether it’s social services, Cafcass, IROs, or even the court itself, you have the right to challenge poor decisions, misconduct, and systemic bias.

How We Help

At Parent Legal, we help you draft and file complaints that are strategic, professional, and legally sound.
Common areas we support include:

  • Local Authority complaints – For social worker misconduct, safeguarding failures, or biased assessments

  • Cafcass complaints – Including factual errors, policy breaches, or obvious bias in reporting

  • Complaints against IROs or children’s guardians – Where they’ve failed to act in the child’s best interests

  • Ombudsman escalations – We help you escalate to the Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) or the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO)

  • Regulatory referrals – Including HCPC or Social Work England when conduct warrants professional discipline

Complaints That Serve a Purpose

This isn’t just about venting frustration. We focus on the strategic value of the complaint:

  • Can it push for a change in conduct or decision-making?

  • Can it help establish a record of bias or mismanagement?

  • Can it support a future application, statement, or appeal?

  • Can it show the court you've acted lawfully and reasonably?

Why It Matters

Filing a well-structured, fact-based complaint helps show that you’ve taken calm, constructive steps to resolve serious concerns.
Even if it doesn’t result in an immediate fix, it creates a paper trail the court can’t ignore.

Whether you're seeking accountability, correction, or leverage, we’ll help you build your case with clarity and purpose.