National review into the murders of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes and Star Hobson

The tragic deaths of Arther Labinjo- Hughes and Start Hobson created a public outcry. From these tragedies, lessons need to be learnt. To assist in this process, the national review has recently published a report by The Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel -Child Protection in England https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1078488/ALH_SH_National_Review_26-5-22.pdf following both children’s… Continue reading

Independent Review of Children’s Social Care calls for a radical reset.

“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

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