Out of Hearing: Representing Children in CourtThe system of representation where children and young people areprovided with both a social work guardian ad litem and a specialistsolicitor is widely regarded as a model of excellence. However,until now, information about the system and its advantages hastended to neglect the views and experiences of the childrenconcerned. Based on a unique research study, Out of Hearinginvestigates the representation service from the child sperspective. Observations of representatives meetings with theirchild clients and separate interviews with the children and theirrepresentatives paint a disturbing picture of the isolation ofchildren at a time of immense stress and upheaval. Feedback fromchildren about what they considered helpful or unhelpful in theactions of their representatives; their views about reading, or notseeing, court reports about themselves; and their feelings aboutgoing to court, or being excluded from its proceedings, conveypowerful messages to the professionals and practitioners seeking tohelp them. Drawing on these experiences, the authors offerrecommendations for practice and policy to enable children s viewsto be heard more effectively. Providing fresh insight into therepresentation service, Out of Hearing is essential reading forsolicitors, guardians ad litem, social workers, judges,magistrates, policy makers, and academics. It will also be ofinterest to children s rights organisations, young people andcharities. "Whatever one may make of the conclusions of the report, what itundeniably does is paint a very graphic picture indeed of theimpact of the process of care proceedings upon children. For thisreason (if for no other) it should be read by all childcare lawpractitioners." Philip Thomson Head of Legal Services, Essex CountyCouncil "The views and aspirations of the children really do shine through;their concerns and their agendas are set out clearly andilluminated vividly." Anna Faulkner Formerly Panel Manager, Innerand North London GALRO Panel |
Contents
Rights Representation and Representatives | 8 |
Childrens and Young Peoples Agendas | 27 |
The Systems Agenda | 42 |
Copyright | |
8 other sections not shown
Common terms and phrases
able adults agenda application appointed arrangements asked attend court aunt authority authority's aware barristers CAAC care order care proceedings Carol chil child or young child protection Child Sexual Abuse Children Act 1989 children and young Children Panel children's rights concerned conflict court hearing court proceedings criminal decisions Edward ensure explained Family Law family proceedings felt final hearing foster carers go to court guardian ad litem guardians and solicitors interview involved issues judge lawyers leaflets legal aid live local authority Lord Chancellor's Department magistrates Martin Masson meetings mother negotiation NSPCC Official Solicitor parents participate particularly party status placement practice professionals relationship representation representing children residence order role secure accommodation order social services department social worker solici solicitor and guardian Sonia Sylvia take instructions tion told understand views wanted young people's young person