PRIVATE LAW Re D (A Child) [2014] EWCA Civ 1057 Appeal from a decision to refuse to order direct contact between a father and his son at the final hearing after four years of court proceedings. The parties separated in February 2003 when their son, B, was just...
Read MorePRIVATE LAW J (A Child) [2014] EWCA Civ 875 Appeal against findings in private law proceedings. Appeal allowed, findings overturned and no re-trial ordered. Comment provided on approach to vulnerable witnesses and right to fair trial. The court was concerned with private law proceedings in respect of A,...
Read MorePlease take note of the attached President's Practice Guidance: Without Notice Non-Molestation Orders issued today. This makes clear what terms should be included in without notice non-molestation injunctions in relation to the duration of the order and the return provisions....
Read MoreSince the Children and Families Act 2014 was brought into force for the most part in April earlier this year, we have been awaiting the commencement of certain important provisions. We now know that s.11 CFA 2014 will be brought into force next Wednesday 22nd October...
Read MoreKids in the Middle is a charitable organisation founded by a group of family lawyers and mediators from across the country, with the intention of providing online support to children and young people of separating parents. The website offers valuable resources such as videos and...
Read MoreIn liaison with legal officers from both of our area Local Authorities, I have prepared the attached Practice Guidance for Social Workers on the preparation of statements, assessments and chronologies. I hope that the Guidance will assist local social workers in preparing cases for presentation at...
Read MorePlease take note of the recently published judgment handed down by HIs Honour Judge Bellamy on 3rd September 2014 in the case of Leicestershire County Council v T (Care Order: Placement Order) [2014] EWFC B119. The case concerns the placement of a child and considers issues...
Read MorePlease ensure that the attached Practice Note is complied with whenever any orders are approved by the court granting permission for the instruction of an expert, whatever discipline. This follows a recent Court of Appeal case and may be important for Legal Aid Agency funding purposes....
Read MoreIn September, the National Family Justice Board circulated to all Local FJB's the following newsletter, which provides a comprehensive update on the progress of recent changes within the family justice system, and plans for further reform. The newsletter is reproduced below and is highly recommended...
Read MoreThe Department of Education has published a guide for children and young people which aims to explain the Children and Families Act 2014. It may be a helpful tool for social work and childcare practitioners working with children within the family justice system. The Guide can...
Read More