Child Care and Protection: Law and Practice

Child Care and Protection: Law and Practice is a comprehensive guide to the Children Act 1989 and subsequent child protection legislation, offering practical insights into assessments, care planning, expert evidence, and courtroom skills.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 302 pages
Publication date: 16 August 2019
Publisher: Wildy, Simmonds and Hill Publishing

Child Care and Protection: Law and Practice is a comprehensive and user-friendly guide to the complex realm of child care and protection legislation, guidance, and case law. In addition to elucidating the fundamental principles governing child care and protection, the authors offer insightful perspectives on assessments, care planning, expert evidence, taking instructions, case preparation, and courtroom skills. This sixth edition, extensively revised, encompasses all significant developments since the introduction of the Single Family Court in 2014, such as the new procedures for controlling expert evidence, the duration of care proceedings, changes to children's care plans, the introduction of the Revised Practice Direction 12A (Care and Supervision Proceedings and other Part 4 Proceedings: Guide to Case Management), the introduction of 'child arrangements orders,' the Child Arrangements Programme (PD 12(B), accompanied by new forms and documents, and the Revised PD12J – Domestic Abuse and Child Arrangements.

The book begins by providing an overview of the Children Act 1989, its principles, and the legal framework for child care and protection. It then delves into the various aspects of assessments, care planning, and expert evidence, offering practical guidance on how to conduct these processes effectively. The authors discuss the importance of taking instructions from clients, preparing cases for court, and developing courtroom skills, emphasizing the need for professionalism and ethical conduct.

Throughout the book, real-life case examples are used to illustrate the practical application of the law and to highlight the challenges and complexities involved in child care and protection cases. These case studies provide valuable insights into the legal processes, decision-making processes, and the impact of the law on families and children.

The sixth edition of Child Care and Protection: Law and Practice has been extensively updated to reflect the latest developments in the field. It includes a comprehensive section on the Revised Practice Direction 12A, which provides guidance on case management in care and supervision proceedings. It also covers the introduction of 'child arrangements orders,' a new legal framework designed to promote children's contact with both parents after separation.

The Child Arrangements Programme (PD 12(B)) is introduced, which aims to support families in resolving disputes related to child arrangements and to promote children's well-being. Accompanying new forms and documents have been developed to facilitate the implementation of the Programme.

Furthermore, the Revised PD12J – Domestic Abuse and Child Arrangements has been included, providing guidance on how to address domestic abuse issues in child care and protection cases. The book also addresses the role of social workers, psychologists, and other professionals in child care and protection proceedings, emphasizing their crucial contribution to the legal process.

Child Care and Protection: Law and Practice is an essential resource for legal professionals, social workers, psychologists, and anyone involved in child care and protection proceedings. It provides a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of the law, guidance, and case law in this field, enabling practitioners to provide effective and compassionate support to families and children.

Weight: 394g
Dimension: 141 x 215 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780854902682
Edition number: 6 Revised edition