New Ideas for Care Cases - UPDATED

Children to Benefit From Streamlined Care Proceedings
DCA Press Release
18 May 2006
Recommendations on how to improve the way the system works are
outlined in the "Review of the Child Care Proceedings System in
England and Wales".   The review proposes that:
* Local authorities should write in plain English to the family
and give the reasons for applying to court to take the children
into care and provide a copy of the interim care plan.
* Authorities should enable families to get independent legal
advice earlier by provision of contact details for local Children
Panel solicitors.
* All safe and appropriate alternatives should be explored before
court proceedings are started. In some cases this might include
placement with other family members, or providing support through
Family Group Conferences to discuss all aspects of the family
situation
* Guidance and best practice on case preparation should be written
up in one document and used by all local authorities
* Local authorities should ensure that they follow statutory
guidance and ensure cases are ready for proceedings before
applications are made.
* Case management in the courts should be improved
* Work be carried out on whether joint targets and funds could
encourage closer working relationships, joint planning and shared
priorities between the various agencies involved.
The review is available here

UPDATED 7 JUNE 2006

 Child Care Proceedings Review
Law Society Hot Topic
5 June 2006


The Law Society will continue to make representations to
Government, the Legal Services Commission, the judiciary and
others as the recommendations are developed. We seek to ensure:
* the detailed proposals are workable for all, including for local
authority solicitors.
* parties are identified, and both families and children properly
represented from the earliest stage.
* it is financially viable for solicitors to undertake the work
before and during proceedings. This must be recognised by Lord
Carter's forthcoming review of the procurement of family legal aid
services.