Written by an experienced former senior judge of the family court, this practical guide provides all students and practitioners working with children with a clear understanding of safeguarding good practice and the principles and proceedings of the family court.
Where there is serious risk of harm, it examines how all involved in the community or family court proceedings can place the child at the centre of their practical decision-making. Incorporating the most up-to-date legislation, and emphasising the importance of multi-agency working, the book enables practitioners, and all stakeholders, to better understand the workings of the family court and to recognise and implement appropriate actions. Fictional case studies with critical questions are included to encourage deep reflection and ways to apply new-found knowledge to practice. The book demystifies the family court to provide an accessible guide for students and both experienced and newly qualified practitioners.
Chapters delve into the structure of the family court, preparing reports and statements, public and private court proceedings, giving evidence, and urgent interventions. The author’s professional experience and expertise ensures readers are fully equipped with a unique and practical understanding for safeguarding the welfare of children within the family court system.
Table of Content
Introduction
Chapter 1 The general principles guiding the safeguarding of children
Chapter 2 Good practice when a serious child safeguarding concern is raised
Chapter 3 An overview of the single family court
Chapter 4 Legal principles applicable to both private and public law proceedings
Chapter 5 The differences between public and private law proceedings
Chapter 6 The voice of the child
Chapter 7 A detailed examination of private law proceedings
Chapter 8 An introduction to the Domestic Abuse Act 2021
Chapter 9 The Public Law Outline (PLO)
Chapter 10 Urgent interventions to protect children at risk of serious harm
Chapter 11 A detailed examination of public law proceedings
Chapter 12 What is good enough parenting?
Chapter 13 Preparing statements/reports for the family court
Chapter 14 Giving evidence to the single family court
Chapter 15 The role of the single family court in determining the true facts
Chapter 16 Children whose care needs cannot be met without their liberty being restricted
Chapter 17 At a glance: a compendium of safeguarding key points and further reading
Appendix 1 Local Authority Social Work Evidence Template (SWET)
Appendix 2 Local authority social work evidence template (Final statement)
Appendix 3 Community Healthcare NHS Trust Report
References
Index
About the author
His Honour Richard Harper was a family law barrister and has held various roles as a family law judge. He was a District Judge of the Central London Family Court, then became a family law circuit judge with authorisation to sit as a court of protection judge and deputy High Court judge of the family division. He now combines providing training on safeguarding to practitioners working with children with being a writer on the law and other non-fiction.
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