Does the inclusion of families and children in family proceedings go far enough?

[Alison J Stevens]

http://www.familylawweek.co.uk/site.aspx?i=ed188256

Definitely not because the voice of the Child is very rarely listened to..

Cafcass Childrens Wishing and feelings pack very rarely gets filled in, with regards to Public Law Care Proceedings.

Children that are deemed Gillick Competent often do not get an invite to LAC Reviews, Child Protection Case Conferences, and Children in Need Conferences.

The LA have a mandatory obligation to send the invitation to such Conferences by letter form no later than 48 hours prior to the meeting, and also Social Workers should encourage such Children to turn up with an Advocate.

With regards to Private Law Cases, things are beginning to improve, we have had cases where the Children have managed to fill the wishes and feelings via advocates, and Children have recently been to see the Judge in Chambers to highlight their wishes and feelings,