Child Custody & Safeguarding Investigations

When this service can help

The investigation must have a clear purpose connected to the child’s welfare or an existing arrangement. We may be asked to check who attends a handover, whether a child is taken to a particular address, who appears to be supervising, or whether a named person is present despite an agreement or concern.

We do not offer general monitoring of the other parent simply because the relationship is difficult. The work must be focused, necessary and carried out with the child’s wellbeing in mind.

What we can record

Our investigators may record times, locations, people present, vehicles, journeys and behaviour that can be seen from a legal public position. Relevant photographs or video may be taken where appropriate. The child is not approached, questioned or asked to take part in the investigation.

We do not enter homes, access school or medical records without proper permission, or try to make a child reveal information. We also avoid any action that could upset the child or draw attention to the investigation.

Planning the investigation carefully

We will ask for the relevant dates, locations, names, recent photographs, known vehicles and a simple explanation of what you need to establish. If there is a court order or written arrangement, your solicitor may help identify the part that matters. The surveillance is then limited to the time and place most likely to answer the question.

Working with your solicitor

If a family case is already underway, it is sensible to speak to your solicitor before arranging surveillance. They can explain whether the information would be useful and help prevent work that could interfere with the case. LPI provides factual observations; we do not decide whether a parent has broken an order or whether a child is safe.

What happens if we see an immediate danger

Safety comes before continuing surveillance. If an investigator sees what appears to be an immediate and serious risk, the agreed emergency plan will be followed and the police or appropriate service may need to be contacted. The report will explain what was seen and what action was taken.

Your child-related investigation report

You receive a dated and timed report of the agreed period, with relevant photographs or video where obtained. The report describes what was seen without making assumptions about parenting ability, medical issues or legal outcomes. It can be shared with your solicitor for advice.

When to contact the authorities first

If a child is missing, may be in immediate danger or you suspect abuse, contact the police or the appropriate safeguarding service immediately. A private investigation must not delay emergency action.

Pricing

Child custody and safeguarding investigations start from £750 + VAT. If surveillance is needed, the standard deployment is from £520 + VAT per operative for a standard deployment of up to 8 hours. Additional time after 8 hours is charged from £65 + VAT per hour, per operative, or at the hourly rate agreed in writing before deployment. Short-duration, tightly defined assignments are quoted individually. The quotation confirms the investigators required and what reporting is included.