Sir James Munby: ‘Re B-S ruling has not changed the law on adoption’
President of the family division at the High Court has emphasised 'with as much force as possible' that adoption law remains the same
The most senior judge in the family courts, Sir James Munby, has reiterated that a recent ruling has not changed the law on adoption.
In a court judgement, published today, the president of the [...]
Call for review of special guardianship orders
The British Association for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF) has called for a review of special guardianship orders (SGOs) amid a sharp rise in numbers being granted and concerns about the way they are used.
Speaking at a conference on the subject in London, John Simmonds, director of policy, research and development at BAAF, said that while [...]
Legal aid procedures causing problems for the Family Court, says the President
Sir James Munby, President of the Family Division, says that problems with the quality of decision-making by the Legal Aid Agency, and the complexity of the process for applying for legal aid, is, in some private family law cases, skewing the court process , and risks undermining positive outcomes for children and parents.
Speaking at the [...]
Council childcare lawyer sees rise in use of e-Courtbundles after pilot success
There is huge scope for the use of e-Courtbundles in care proceedings, a solicitor leading a pilot project between Nottinghamshire County Council and Nottinghamshire Family Court has predicted.
The deployment of an e-Courtbundle in a case last month was thought to be the first time the system had been used in live care proceedings in the [...]
Foster and adoption placements must be right first time
The Department for Education cannot show it is meeting its objectives for children in foster and residential care. That was the worrying conclusion from the National Audit Office report on children in care. The consequences of this are poorer care for children and a greater cost. There were also concerns about getting foster and adoption [...]
Principal social workers question need for new practice leader role
Principal social workers (PSWs) have questioned the purpose of the practice leader role announced by education minister Nicky Morgan last month, saying it is unclear how it differs from their role.
Chair of the network for children’s PSWs, Marion Russell said an address to the network on Friday by chief social worker Isabelle Trowler had left [...]
