Legal Case Law Update on the importance of complying with the statutory court timescales.

The case of London Borough of Enfield v E (Unconscionable Delay) [2024] https://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWFC/HCJ/2024/183.html is a strong reminder, that the prompt determination of care and supervision order proceedings is beneficial for the children who are subject of the proceedings but equally is a requirement of the law This was clearly noted by… Continue reading

Transparency in the Family Court part 2

The aim of the pilot is to introduce a presumption that legal bloggers and accredited media may report on what they see and hear during family court cases, subject to strict rules of anonymity. “Openness and confidentiality are not irreconcilable, and each is achievable. The aim is to enhance public… 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

Keeping Families Together

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 book -Baby Love tackles the issue of teen pregnancy in the 1960s

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

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

Covert recording by parents or service users, should I be worried?

This question was raised at a recent training event I was delivering on Law for Social Workers. It resulted in an interesting discussion, which I considered would benefit other social care professionals.  What is the problem? These days anyone with a smartphone can covertly record. The recording itself may not… Continue reading

National Social Work Template: Are your social workers ready to use the new social work template?

Social worker

Summary This briefing will give an outline of the new national social work template which is to implemented on a national basis for all local authorities within the next 6 months. Each local authority can choose it’s own timetable in the transition from their local template to use of the… Continue reading