Wellbeing, working groups and witness services: HHJ George’s June 2019 Newsletter

Leicester DFJ HHJ George’s latest Newsletter contains essential reading for all family justice practitioners.

Her Honour anticipates the introduction of a Local Working Practice Protocol in respect of wellbeing in the coming months, which will be welcome news for all. Nevertheless, Leicester still falls well behind the national average for time taken to conclude care proceedings, so a new 100-Day checklist has been introduced to enable the Court and parties to identify potential delays – and hopefully address them – at an early stage. The checklist will be available for download from our INFORMATION CENTRE.

Local practitioners will also be buoyed by the news that the Citizen’s Advice service will soon be launching a dedicated witness service for those who have experienced domestic abuse and who are facing the Family Court unrepresented. Volunteers will be available daily at Wellington Street to advise and assist litigants in person, who can also access a separate waiting area if necessary. Requests for assistance can be made on the day of the hearing, or referrals may be made in advance. Further information, including a referral form, may be accessed here. The service will be available from 1st July 2019.

The Newsletter also helpfully collates the President’s recent practice guidance in respect of short-form orders, reporting restrictions and Special Guardianship Orders.

The Newsletter can be downloaded in full here.