The government is implementing key reforms to the child care proceedings system in England and Wales, following a review of the system completed in 2006. The reforms will improve the system and provide better outcomes for children while ensuring that resources are used in a timely and effective way.
Statutory guidance for local authorities
The Department for Children, Schools and Families and the Welsh Assembly Government have published revised statutory guidance to assist local authorities in preparing and commencing applications for care and supervision orders. The guidance came into force in both England and Wales on 1 April 2008.
The Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations Volume 1: Court Orders (England) The Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations Volume 1: Court Orders (Wales)
Public Law Outline
The Public Law Outline will replace the existing Protocol for Judicial Case Management in Public Law Children Act Cases from 1 April 2008. The Public Law Outline aims to reduce unnecessary delay and is designed to promote better co-operation between all the parties involved in care and supervision cases.
Public Law Outline [PDF 0.50mb, 48 pages]
The Public Law Outline, which will come into force on 1 April 2008
Protocol for Judicial Case Management in Public Law Children Act Cases [PDF 1.05mb, 102 pages]
The Protocol, which the Public Law Outline will replace
New court forms, Forms PLO 1-6, for use under the Public Law Outline have now been issued and are available to download from the HMCS website.
Practice Direction - experts in family proceedings relating to children
This Practice Direction deals with the use of expert evidence and the instruction of experts in family proceedings relating to children, and comes into force on 1st April 2008.
Practice Direction - experts in family proceedings relating to children [PDF 0.14mb, 14 pages]
Inter-agency training
Children Law UK delivered 25 inter-agency training events between January and March 2008. Training materials used at the events are available to download from the Children Law UK website.
Pre-proceedings advice
The Legal Services Commission has made non-means-tested legal advice available to parents, or those with parental responsibility, once a local authority has advised them of its intention to commence care proceedings. Guidance for legal practitioners on this new level of family assistance is available on the Legal Services Commission website:
Pre-proceedings legal advice [PDF 0.02mb, 3 pages]
Frequently asked questions
This document answers some of the most frequently asked questions about the care proceedings reforms.
Frequently asked questions on care proceedings reforms [PDF 0.10mb, 14 pages]
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