In 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 MoreLLFJB.com is proud to feature in Cafcass' recent September newsletter, in an article entitled Spreading the Word on Family Justice. Our website is a local initiative, very generously funded by local firms and organisations (see our Supporters and Contributors page) and run entirely by volunteers. The intention...
Read MoreIn August we posted the President's recent consultation paper which addresses the proposals for next steps in improving transparency in the Family Court. I understand that any responses ought to be submitted by 3rd October 2014, although it is likely that responses will still be received...
Read MoreHHJ Bellamy's recent judgment in Leicestershire County Council v D concerning the separation of siblings, care and placement orders and an application for an independent social work assessment....
Read MoreThe DfE has produced departmental guidance for social workers dealing with cases which involve a family with links abroad. It is entitled "Working with foreign authorities: child protection orders and care orders". The guidance is a basic outline of general principles, the law and good practice...
Read MoreLeicester practitioners are reminded of the importance of compliance with the local practice guidance issued in September 2013 as to the use of FPR 16.4 Guardians in private law cases. The guidance has been operating well thus far, ensuring that Cafcass are properly consulted before...
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