The first thing we do, let’s kill all the lawyers

by | Jan 22, 2015 | Comment

‘If I wait for evidence it can be too late’ – when dramatic licence goes too far   I watched the first half of Silent Witness: Protection on Wednesday via iplayer and smiled indulgently at some of the more anguished twitter responses to its...

The recent debate about opening up the Family Courts

by | Dec 21, 2014 | Comment

Beyond all ideas of  right and wrong there is a field – I will meet you there. Rumi   On 11th November 2014 the Family Justice Council held its 8th Annual Debate and panel discussion at Westminster Central Hall. The topic for discussion was transparency....

Cats, genies and stable doors.

by | Sep 30, 2014 | Comment

Locking the stable door after the horse has bolted There are many metaphors which are applicable in this situation. Cats that are out of bags, genies that are out of their bottles etc, etc. What the metaphors share is recognition of the futility of trying to act after...

Section 20 Agreements

by | Sep 10, 2014 | Dictionary

Section 20 of the Children Act 1989 is about the local authority’s duty to provide accommodation for any child in need in their area who needs somewhere to live because there isn’t anyone who has parental responsibility for him or the person who has been caring...