Councils and CCGs have a joint responsibility to provide or arrange free aftercare for adults, young people, and children until they are satisfied that the person no longer needs it. These responsibilities are set out in the Mental Health Act Code of Practice. They aim to reduce the risk of… Continue reading
The Queens speech announced 38 pieces of legislation announced in the amongst them is the introduction of a Bill of Rights to “restore the balance of power between the legislature and the courts. The Bill of Rights will replace the Human Rights Act. There is also to be draft legislation… Continue reading
“This is the start of a journey to change the culture and dramatically reform the children’s social care system”, Nadhim Zahawi, Education Secretary. The independent review led by Josh McAlister is seen as an opportunity to reset children’s social care that: Provides intensive help to families in crisis Acts decisively… Continue reading
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
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
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
Supporting families after care proceedings: Supervision Orders and beyond This is the title of the study published by the Department of Education (DFE), published by Professor Judith Harwin and Lancaster University. The study https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1064405/Harwin_Report_on_Parental_Perspectives.pdf Provides for the first time the views and experiences of parents who have raised their families… Continue reading
Jacqueline Wilson’s recently published book -Baby Love, tackles the issue of teen pregnancy in the 1960s. It is a good book that helps young people to understand how different life was in those days. It deals with shame, not just on the pregnant teen but also on her family. When… Continue reading
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
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
