S.31 Children Act – Pre-Proceedings Protocol

Designated Family Judge HHJ Bellamy, in consultation with Leicester City Council and Leicestershire County Council, has issued an updated Pre-Proceedings Protocol for child protection cases which may be brought under s.31 Children Act 1989.  Social workers and lawyers alike should familiarise themselves with the protocol, which aims to divert cases from court where possible, and to ensure that cases are fully and properly prepared if they are brought before the court.

The protocol replaces the Pre-Proceedings Protocol of July 2014.

The protocol can also be downloaded from our INFORMATION CENTRE.