A recent report published in BMJ Medicine and covered by The Guardian has revealed that a third of women who died during or shortly after pregnancy in the UK had prior involvement with children’s social care services.
What the Study Found
Between 2014 and 2022:
- 1,451 women died during pregnancy or within a year of giving birth.
- 33% of those women were known to social care.
- Many had prior experiences of domestic abuse, childhood trauma, or were already involved in care proceedings.
The report warns of a lack of coordination between maternity care, social workers, and local authorities—leading to missed opportunities to provide support, protection, and early intervention.
What This Means for Families
While this data is heartbreaking, it also reinforces what many in the legal sector already know: that women facing safeguarding concerns often slip through the cracks when systems don’t communicate effectively.
At Burd Ward Solicitors, our Family Law Team supports parents and carers navigating:
- Public Law Proceedings (Care Proceedings and Pre Proceedings)
- Private Law Matters (including Child Arrangements Orders)
- Domestic Abuse Cases (Non Molestation and Occupation Orders)
- Relationship Breakdown & Separation
- Legal Aid for eligible clients, especially where social services are involved
Our Role in Supporting Parents Through Social Services Involvement
It’s vital that any parent involved with children’s services receives clear, supportive legal advice. These cases often move quickly, and without legal representation, parents can find themselves overwhelmed and unheard.
We offer:
- Advice and representation at PLO meetings (Pre-Proceedings process)
- Support during court proceedings where care orders or supervision orders are being considered
- Applications for urgent protective orders if domestic abuse is present
- Tailored legal support during separation, especially where children are at risk or vulnerable
A Call for Better Joined-Up Support
This report should be a wake-up call for professionals working with pregnant women and new mothers. Timely referrals to legal advice—particularly in cases involving domestic abuse or social services concerns—could help prevent harm and improve outcomes for families.
If You Need Support, We’re Here to Help
Whether you’ve been contacted by children’s services, are worried about your safety at home, or are going through a difficult separation, we’re here to provide calm, clear and experienced legal advice.