May News

We are nearly half way through this year already! We wanted to share a few things with you…  Exciting news a further £160m to be invested into the government’s National Adoption Strategy  The Department for Education has announced a new investment of £160m over three years into the government’s National… Continue reading

Somerset Judgement

The President of the Family Division rules on the validity of existing placement and adoption orders, despite failure with adoption regulations. The need for the President’s clarification starts with Re N (Children) [2021] EWCA Civ 785- 21 May 2021 https://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWCA/Civ/2021/785.html The mother of M (6 years) and T (13 years),… Continue reading

Covid – 19 Vaccinations for an adult who lacks capacity and who has already suffered vaccine damage.

Last month we discussed a case that considered whether a child should receive the Covid- 19 vaccination or not if the parent does not consent. This case relates to an adult. There are a number of reported judgements from 2021 that cover this issue, however the case of North Yorkshire… Continue reading

Making sure the legacy of Child Q’s experience results in lasting change

Representatives from across social work, safeguarding and youth services have called for lasting change as a result of the ‘appalling’ case of Child Q after a safeguarding review revealed she was stripped and searched by female police officers from the Metropolitan Police Service. In 2020, Child Q, a black female… Continue reading

Family Court Backlogs are like dough proofing on a Baker’s shelf.

The President of the family division has raised concerns in relation to the current backlog and delays in the Family Court in his latest view:  Make Every Hearing Count – Case Management Guidance in Public Law Children Cases: March 2022. It is recognised by all professionals working within the Family… Continue reading

Corporate parent v birth parent, who makes the final decision?

Can a chlid who is looked after, receive the Covid vaccination without parental consent? An important question that was considered in the case of C(Looked After Child) (Covide-19 Vaccination) [2021] EWHC 2993 (Fam) Summary of the case: The case relates to a child known as C, who is 13 years… Continue reading

Children in the Youth Justice System and Racial Inequality

“Now is the time to stop talking and take action.” David Lammy MP A trusted justice system is one that is fair, transparent, and accessible. To have confidence in the justice system, the law must be equally applied to all and there must also be respect for the rule of… Continue reading

Part 3: Impact of Domestic Abuse Act 2021 for those working with vulnerable adults:

Stay up to date with the law series. This is part 3 of the 3-part law series on the Domestic Abuse Act. You can remind yourselves of part 1 https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/are-you-up-to-date-with-the-domestic-abuse-act-2021/ and part 2 https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/part-2-impact-of-domestic-abuse-act-2021-for-those-working-with-children-and-families/ by clicking the links. Prior to the implementation of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, vulnerable adults… Continue reading

Part 2: Impact of Domestic Abuse Act 2021 for those working with Children and Families:

This is part 2 of the 3-part law series on the Domestic Abuse Act. You can remind yourselves of part 1 by clicking here https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/are-you-up-to-date-with-the-domestic-abuse-act-2021/ as this is a follow up of part 1. This legal blog post is for those who specifically work with children and families. Local authorities… Continue reading