On 11th November the Family Justice Council held its annual debate, on the topic of transparency in family proceedings. It was a well attended and wide ranging debate, with speakers and attendees not just comprising judges and family lawyers but also journalists, media lawyers, parents and campaigners, mckenzie friends and legal academics. The panel comprised of Sue Berelowitz (Deputy Childrens’ Commissioner), Sir Roderick Newton (Family Division High Court Judge), Dr Julia Brophy (Researcher) and Baroness Tyler (Chair of CAFCASS). The debate was chaired by the President of the Family Division, Sir James Munby.
Transparency Project members Julia Doughty and Lucy Reed attended and Lucy contributed to the debate.
The transcript or audio podcast of the discussion is now available to read or download from the judiciary website here.
The President of the Family Division is expected to announce his response to his consultation on Transparency in family proceedings in the new year. We will report on that when more information is available.