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282 <h2>
282 Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline
282 </h2>
284 </div>
287 <div id="scope_box">
288 <h3>
288 NOTE
288 </h3>
289 <p>
289 For applications for Emergency Protection Orders, see
289 <a href="p_app_emer_prot_ord.html">
289 Applications for Emergency Protection Orders Procedure
289 </a>
289 .
289 </p>
290 <p>
290 <span class="bold">
290 N.B.
290 </span>
290 Any changes in a child's legal status as a result of court proceedings must be recorded on the
electronic database.
290 </p>
291 <h3>
291 RELATED GUIDANCE
291 </h3>
292 <p>
292 <a
href="http://www.justice.gov.uk/courts/procedure-rules/family/practice_directions/pd_part_12a"
target="_blank" rel="noopener">
292 Public Law Outline (2014)
292 </a>
292 </p>
293 <p>
293 <a
href="https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/306282/Statutory_g
uidance_on_court_orders_and_pre-proceedings.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
293 Statutory Guidance for Local Authorities on Court Orders and Pre-Proceedings (2014)
293 </a>
293 </p>
294 <p>
294 <a href="files/disclosure.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
294 Protocol and Good Practice Model: Disclosure of Information in Cases of Alleged Child Abuse and
Linked Criminal and Care Direction Hearings (October 2013)
294 </a>
294 </p>
295 <p>
295 <a
href="https://www.justice.gov.uk/courts/procedure-rules/family/practice_directions/practice-direct
ion-25b-the-duties-of-an-expert,-the-experts-report-and-arrangements-for-an-expert-to-attend-court
" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
295 Practice Direction 25B - The Duties of an Expert, the Expert's Report and Arrangements for an
Expert to Attend Court
295 </a>
295 </p>
296 <p>
296 <a href="https://coppguidance.rip.org.uk/social-work-evidence-template/" target="_blank"
rel="noopener">
296 Social Work Evidence Template (Research in Practice)
296 </a>
296 </p>
297 <h3>
297 AMENDMENT
297 </h3>
298 <p>
298 This chapter was updated in April 2020 to reference and note the Family Justice Council: Interim
Guidance on Special Guardianship (Family Justice Council, May 2019) (see
298 <a href="#intro">
298 Section 1, Introduction
298 </a>
298 ).
298 </p>
299 </div>
300 <div id="sections">
302 <h3 id="sections_list">
302 Contents
302 </h3>
303 <ol>
304 <li class="sub_list">
304 <a href="#intro">
304 Introduction
304 </a>
304 </li>
305 <li class="sub_list">
305 <a href="#pre_proceedings">
305 Pre-Proceedings
305 </a>
305 </li>
306 <li class="sub_list">
306 <a href="#starting_care">
306 Starting Care or Supervision Proceedings
306 </a>
306 </li>
307 <li class="sub_list">
307 <a href="#documentation">
307 Documentation
307 </a>
307 </li>
308 <li class="sub_list">
308 <a href="#flexible_powers">
308 Flexible Powers of the Court
308 </a>
308 </li>
309 <li class="sub_list">
309 <a href="#case_management_hearing">
309 Case Management Hearing
309 </a>
309 </li>
310 <li class="sub_list">
310 <a href="#the_timetable">
310 The Timetable for the Child and the Timetable for Proceedings
310 </a>
310 </li>
311 <li class="sub_list">
311 <a href="#use_of_experts">
311 Use of Experts
311 </a>
311 </li>
312 <li class="sub_list">
312 <a href="#good_local_auth">
312 Good Local Authority Practice During Proceedings
312 </a>
312 </li>
313 <li class="sub_list">
313 <a href="#case_manag">
313 Case Management Checklist and Flowcharts
313 </a>
314 <ol>
315 <li class="sub_list">
315 <a href="#pre_proceed">
315 Pre-Proceedings
315 </a>
316 </li>
317 <li class="sub_list">
317 <a href="#stage_1">
317 Stage 1 – Issue and Allocation
317 </a>
317 </li>
318 <li class="sub_list">
318 <a href="#stage_2">
318 Stage 2 – Case Management Hearing
318 </a>
318 </li>
319 <li class="sub_list">
319 <a href="#stage_3">
319 Stage 3 – Issues Resolution Hearing
319 </a>
319 </li>
320 <li class="sub_list">
320 <a
href="http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20130128112038/http:/www.justice.gov.uk/down
loads/protecting-the-vulnerable/care-proceeding-reform/public-law-outline-flowchart.pdf"
target="_blank" rel="noopener">
320 Public Law Outline 2014 (26 weeks) Flowchart
320 </a>
320 </li>
321 </ol>
322 </li>
323 <li class="sub_list">
323 <a href="#parallel_crim_invest">
323 Parallel Criminal Investigations
323 </a>
323 </li>
324 <li class="remove_bullet">
324 <a href="files/letter_before_proc_template.docx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
324 Appendix 1: Letter Before Proceedings
324 </a>
324 </li>
325 <li class="remove_bullet">
325 <a href="files/letter_of_issue_template.docx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
325 Appendix 2: Letter of Issue
325 </a>
325 </li>
326 <li class="remove_bullet">
326 <a href="files/sw_consent_checklist.docx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
326 Appendix 3: Social Work Consent Checklist
326 </a>
326 </li>
327 </ol>
328 <h3 id="intro">
328 1. Introduction
328 </h3>
329 <p>
329 Under Section 31 Children Act 1989, a court may only make a Care Order or Supervision Order if it
is satisfied that the Threshold Criteria have been met.
329 </p>
330 <p>
330 Under the
330 <a
href="https://www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/protecting-the-vulnerable/care-proceeding-reform/pd12a.
pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
330 Public Law Outline (2014)
330 </a>
330 and the Children and Families Act 2014, there is a 26-week time limit for the completion of care
and supervision proceedings. This places an increased emphasis on pre-proceedings work and
the quality of Assessments.
330 </p>
331 <p>
331 Where adoption is the permanence plan for the child and no Care Order has been made, combined care
and Placement Order applications should be made, so that decisions can be made swiftly. Where
there are on-going Care Proceedings, the Placement Order application should be submitted as soon
as the Agency Decision Maker decision has been made. The court may make both orders, which would
ensure that the child remains protected should the Placement Order be revoked (as the Care Order
would automatically be reactivated).
331 </p>
332 <p>
332 Placement Order applications are not subject to the 26 week time limit, but an early application
will ensure best use of court time and help keep to a minimum the overall length of the
process. The application must clearly state why the parents cannot parent the child, what other
realistic permanence options have been considered and rejected, and why adoption is the only
permanence option that meets the needs of the child. (See also
332 <a href="p_place_adop.html">
332 Placement for Adoption Procedure
332 </a>
332 ).
332 </p>
333 <p>
333 There is recognition of the possibility that potential Special Guardianship Order applicants can
be identified late in care proceedings. This was addressed in
333 <a href="https://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWCC/Fam/2014/B44.html#para33" target="_blank"
rel="noopener">
333 Re-S (A Child) {2014} EWCC B44 (Fam) (para 33(ii) (c)
333 </a>
333 . Interim Guidance has now been issued by the Family Justice Council.
333 </p>
334 <table title="Interim Guidance on Special Guardianship">
335 <tr>
336 <td>
336 <h4>
336 Interim Guidance on Special Guardianship
336 </h4>
337 <p>
337 <a
href="https://www.judiciary.uk/announcements/family-justice-council-interim-guidance-on-spec
ial-guardianship" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
337 The Family Justice Council: Interim Guidance on Special Guardianship
337 </a>
337 has been issued with the primary purpose of addressing cases where an extension to the 26
week time limit is required to more fully assess potential special guardians.
337 </p>
338 <p>
338 Where a full assessment is undertaken, it is to be expected that this will usually require a
3-month time scale. This promotes full checks being completed; an interactive approach with
the applicant(s) to ensure their full understanding of the child’s needs and the tasks and
challenges in meeting those needs until their 18th birthday.
338 </p>
339 <p>
339 Identified alternative potential carers should be identified at an early stage – including
through pre-proceedings where possible and by convening a Family Group Conference.
339 </p>
340 <p>
340 The social work Statement must include potential carers via a genogram.
340 </p>
341 <p>
341 Where proceedings have commenced, all parties including the Guardian should file and serve a
position statement in advance of the First Case management Hearing (CMH) to include the
details of proposed carers for assessment by the local authority.
341 </p>
342 <p>
342 <span class="bold">
342 NOTE
342 </span>
342 identification of carers should focus on the child’s interests, not on parents’
approval/disapproval.
342 </p>
343 <p>
343 Where the viability assessment is negative, the local authority must notify the subject of
the assessment together with the procedure for any application to the court to seek leave
pursuant to the Children Act 1989, S. 10(9) or to be joined as a party. Any challenge must
be pursued promptly - the matter to be referred to the allocated judge, or other appropriate
judge for urgent direction.
343 </p>
344 <h4>
344 Special Guardianship Applicants Identified Late in Proceedings
344 </h4>
345 <p>
345 This was addressed in Re-S (A Child) {2014} EWCC B44(Fam) (para 33(ii) (c)) in that a
proposal for assessment must be realistic.
345 </p>
346 <p>
346 An extension beyond 26 weeks should be permitted ‘to enable the court to resolve the
proceedings justly’.
346 </p>
347 <p>
347 The Interim Guidance also identifies that:
347 </p>
348 <ul>
349 <li>
349 This would also include assessments of carers living in another country, via Children and
Families Across Borders (CFAB);
349 </li>
350 <li>
350 Where more time is needed to consider both the quality of the relationships between the
child and proposed carers and the stability of the (potential) placement. This will almost
certainly lead to an extension of the timetable but this should be proportionate to the
welfare criteria;
350 </li>
351 <li>
351 An approved court extension may require consideration of the legal framework where it may
impact upon the child being placed with potential carers, e.g. using Section 8 of the 1989
Children Act where a placement cannot be made under Regulation 24 (Care Planning,
Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010). However, this should be carefully
considered.
351 </li>
352 </ul>
352 </td>
353 </tr>
354 </table>
355 <h3 id="pre_proceedings">
355 2. Pre-Proceedings
355 </h3>
356 <h4>
356 2.1 Principles
356 </h4>
357 <p>
357 Work done in the period pre-proceedings is vital for 2 reasons:
357 </p>
358 <ul>
359 <li>
359 It may divert a case along a route which avoids the need for proceedings;
359 </li>
360 <li>
360 When that is not possible, and proceedings have to be commenced, the preparatory work will
facilitate the smooth running of the case.
360 </li>
361 </ul>
362 <p>
362 Pre-proceedings work includes:
362 </p>
363 <ul>
364 <li>
364 Early Help – see
364 <a
href="http://media.inzu.net/2acc977c715cd84d14a75f01032546ad/mysite/downloads/570_606709_Effecti
ve_Support_for_Children.20.6.17_FINAL.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
364 The Bexley Threshold: Bexley Safeguarding Partnership - Effective Support for Children, Young
People and Families in Bexley
364 </a>
364 ;
364 </li>
365 <li>
365 Assessments and meeting assessed needs (see
365 <a href="p_assessment.html">
365 Assessments Procedure
365 </a>
365 ).
365 </li>
366 </ul>
367 <p>
367 For cases which result in court proceedings, the information generated by the Assessment will be
expected to form the central part of evidence that supports an application for a care or
supervision order, and will include, as appropriate, primary evidence from the agencies involved.
Additional parenting capability assessments (where there is a specific need for specialist
expertise in order for a decision to be made as to threshold and the need for proceedings) should
be commissioned at the pre-proceedings stage:
367 </p>
368 <ul>
369 <li>
369 Family Group Conferences and the identification and assessment of family and friends placements,
if appropriate. (See
369 <a href="p_fam_frien_care_pol.html">
369 Family and Friends Care Policy
369 </a>
369 );
369 </li>
370 <li>
371 <p>
371 Helping families to engage early - this engagement should include early, direct and clear
written communication with the parents, setting out the local authority's specific concerns,
outlining what needs to be done to address those concerns and indicating the possibility of
proceedings if the situation does not improve within an identified timescale. It is important
that throughout this period, the child (subject to his or her age and understanding) is kept
aware of what is being proposed and that his or her views are heard. This may include by
way of an Advocate for children and/or for parents where there are issues of Capacity, (see
371 <a
href="https://www.judiciary.gov.uk/publications/family-proceedings-parents-with-a-learning-dis
ability/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
371 President of the Family Division, Family Proceedings: Parents with a Learning Disability
371 </a>
371 ).
371 <br>
372 <br>
373 (See also
373 <a
href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/media-library/sites/sps/documents/wtpn/2016%20WTPN%20UPDATE%20
OF%20THE%20GPG%20-%20finalised%20with%20cover.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
373 Good practice guidance on working with parents with a learning disability (2007) updated
2016
373 </a>
373 );
373 </p>
374 </li>
375 <li>
375 Legal Planning Meetings.
375 </li>
376 </ul>
377 <p>
377 Sir James Munby, then President of the Family Division, set out in 'The Process of Reform: the
revised PLO and the Local Authority' the expectations of the local authority in relation to
pre-proceedings work. He recommended that:
377 </p>
378 <ul>
379 <li>
379 Local authority lawyers be involved, advising and assisting their social work clients, at an
early stage;
379 </li>
380 <li>
380 A properly organised Legal Planning Meeting is invaluable and can be the key to achieving timely
outcomes to Care Proceedings.
380 </li>
381 </ul>
382 <h4 id="legal_plan_meetings">
382 2.2 Legal Planning Meetings
383 </h4>
384 <p>
384 Before a decision can be made to initiate Care or Supervision Proceedings, a Legal Planning
Meeting must be held.
384 </p>
385 <p>
385 At the Legal Planning Meeting, a decision will be made in principle about whether the Threshold
Criteria have been met and whether:
385 </p>
386 <ul>
387 <li>
387 It is in the best interests of the child to provide a further period of support for the family
with the aim of avoiding proceedings; or
387 </li>
388 <li>
388 The PLO Care Proceedings should be initiated;
388 </li>
389 <li>
389 Proceedings should be initiated immediately.
389 </li>
390 </ul>
391 <p>
391 Information presented to a Child Protection Conference should inform the decision-making process
but it is for the local authority to consider whether it should initiate proceedings.
391 </p>
392 <p>
392 If the decision is taken at the Legal Planning Meeting to undertake a formal pre-proceedings
process, the local authority will send to the parents/those with Parental Responsibility either:
392 </p>
393 <ul>
394 <li>
394 A
394 <span class="italic">
394 letter before proceedings
394 </span>
394 which states that proceedings are being contemplated; or
394 </li>
395 <li>
395 A
395 <span class="italic">
395 letter of issue
395 </span>
395 which states that proceedings are being initiated.
395 </li>
396 </ul>
397 <p>
397 (Standard letter templates are included at
397 <a href="files/letter_before_proc_template.docx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
397 Appendix 1: Letter Before Proceedings
397 </a>
397 ; and
397 <a href="files/letter_of_issue_template.docx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
397 Appendix 2: Letter of Issue
397 </a>
397 .)
397 </p>
398 <p>
398 Where a parent may lack Capacity, consideration should be given as whether personal discussion,
involving an Advocate and/or legal representative, should be undertaken before the sending of such
a letter.
398 </p>
399 <p>
399 In pre-birth cases, the timing of the sending of the pre-proceedings letter or letter of issue
should take account of the risk of early birth and should ideally be sent at or before 24 weeks.
Part of the assessment should take into account the risk of early birth and the notice of any
proceedings upon the mother.
399 </p>
400 <h4>
400 2.3 Letter Before Proceedings
401 </h4>
402 <p>
402 The Letter Before Proceedings (see letter template at
402 <a href="files/letter_before_proc_template.docx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
402 Appendix 1: Letter Before Proceedings
402 </a>
402 ) is the formal written notification that proceedings are likely. It should set out:
402 </p>
403 <ul>
404 <li>
404 A summary in simple language of the local authority's concerns;
404 </li>
405 <li>
405 A summary of what support has already been provided to the parents;
405 </li>
406 <li>
406 What the parents need to do and what support will be provided for them, to avoid proceedings,
including timescales;
406 </li>
407 <li>
407 Information on how to obtain legal advice and advocacy, making clear how important it is for the
parent to seek legal representation.
407 </li>
408 </ul>
409 <p>
409 The letter should invite the parents/others with Parental Responsibility to a pre-proceedings
meeting (see
409 <a href="#plo_meet">
409 Section 2.4, PLO Meeting
409 </a>
409 below).
409 </p>
410 <p>
410 An up to date list of relevant solicitors in the local area who are specialists in child care
cases should be sent with the pre-proceedings letter.
410 </p>
411 <h4 id="plo_meet">
411 2.4 PLO Meeting
412 </h4>
413 <p>
413 Where proceedings are being contemplated, parents/others with Parental Responsibility should be
invited to a PLO meeting to agree proposals for addressing the current problems which have led to
concerns about the welfare of the child.
413 </p>
414 <p>
414 At this meeting, the local authority should:
414 </p>
415 <ul>
416 <li>
416 Agree a revised plan for the child, which should be subsequently confirmed in writing to the
parents, setting out what the parents and the local authority must do to safeguard the child.
The plan will indicate the steps the local authority will take to support the parents and the
timescales within which progress must be made for proceedings to be avoided;
416 </li>
417 <li>
417 Outline the steps that the local authority will take at the end of this period, depending on
whether progress has been demonstrated; and
417 </li>
418 <li>
418 Review arrangements for identifying potential family carers, and/or for assessments with the
parents, particularly where these require letters of instruction to assessment services.
418 </li>
419 </ul>
420 <p>
420 Setting clear expectations and timescales for improvement will reduce the potential for delay. The
child's plan should be reviewed within 6 weeks of the meeting to ensure that sufficient progress
is being made.
420 </p>
421 <h3 id="starting_care">
421 3. Starting Care or Supervision Proceedings
421 </h3>
422 <p>
422 Before a decision can be made to initiate Care or Supervision Proceedings, the approval of the
Head of Service (Care Proceedings) must be obtained and the child presented to the Resource Panel
for agreement. More information regarding the Resource and Care Panel is available at:
422 <span class="italic">
422 N:\Directorate of Social & Community Services\Children & Families\Strategies Policies
& Procedures\Resource and Care Panel
422 </span>
422 .
422 </p>
423 <p>
423 Once the decision has been taken to initiate proceedings, the legal advisor will send the
parents/those with Parental Responsibility a letter of issue which states that proceedings are
being initiated – see letter template at
423 <a href="files/letter_of_issue_template.docx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
423 Appendix 2: Letter of Issue
423 </a>
423 .
423 </p>
424 <p>
424 The social worker and local authority solicitor will then prepare the documents that are required
to be produced for Court. The social worker prepares the statement in the prescribed legal format
and the legal advisor prepares the application and threshold criteria.
424 </p>
425 <p>
425 In some cases, the level of concern about a child's welfare may require rapid and sometimes
immediate recourse to the courts. There may not be time for a pre-proceedings meeting and the
collation of all documentation prior to such an application. A lack of documentation should never
prevent a case being brought to court quickly where this is essential to protect the child's
welfare. Such cases should never be the norm, however, and where a particular piece of
documentation cannot be supplied immediately, the authority must state on the application form the
reasons why it cannot be included and confirm the date when the documents will be submitted to the
court.
425 </p>
426 <h4 id="pre_birth_plan">
426 3.1 Pre-Birth Planning and Proceedings
426 </h4>
427 <p>
427 Considering Care and Supervision Proceedings at a pre-birth stage and when a child is newly born
remains challenging for a number of reasons.
427 </p>
428 <p>
428 A High Court judgment (Nottingham City Council v LW & Ors [2016] EWHC 11(Fam) (19 February
2016)) has sought to provide 'good practice steps' with respect to public law proceedings
regarding newly born children and particularly where Children's Services are aware at a relatively
early stage of the pregnancy.
428 </p>
429 <p>
429 From previous judgments it is established that: 'At an interim stage the removal of children from
their parents is not to be sanctioned unless the child's safety requires interim protection.' (See
also
429 <a href="p_app_emer_prot_ord.html#x_council">
429 Applications for Emergency Protection Orders Procedure, X Council v B Guidance
429 </a>
429 .)
429 </p>
430 <p>
430 It continues to be important to ensure for both the child and the parent(s):
430 </p>
431 <ul>
432 <li>
432 Any hearing should be considered a 'fair hearing' commensurate with Article 6 of the Human
Rights Act (the right to a fair trial);
432 </li>
433 <li>
433 The fact that a hospital is prepared to keep a newborn baby is not a reason to delay making an
application for an ICO, (the hospital may not detain a baby against the wishes of a parent/s
with PR and the capability of a maternity unit to accommodate a healthy child can change within
hours and is dependent upon demand);
433 </li>
434 <li>
434 Where a Pre-birth Plan recommends an Application for an ICO to be made on the day of the birth,
'it is essential and best practice for this to occur'.
434 </li>
435 </ul>
436 <p>
436 Once it has been determined that there is sufficient evidence to make an application for an ICO
and removal of a child, any additional evidence (e.g. from the maternity unit) must not delay the
issuing of proceedings. Any such information may be 'envisaged and/or provided subsequently'.
436 </p>
437 <p>
437 <span class="bold">
437 Good Practice Steps
437 </span>
437 </p>
438 <p>
438 In all but, 'the most exceptional and unusual circumstances, local authorities must make
applications for public law proceedings in respect of new born babies timeously and especially,
where the circumstances arguably require the removal of the child from its parent(s), within at
most 5 days of the child's birth':
438 </p>
439 <ul>
440 <li>
440 The Pre-birth Plan should be rigorously adhered to by social work practitioners, managers and
legal departments;
440 </li>
441 <li>
441 A risk assessment of the parent(s) should be 'commenced immediately upon the social workers
being made aware of the mother's pregnancy';
441 </li>
442 <li>
442 The Assessment should be completed at least 4 weeks before the expected delivery date;
442 </li>
443 <li>
443 The Assessment should be updated to take into account relevant events pre - and post delivery
where these events could affect an initial conclusion in respect of risk and care planning of
the child;
443 </li>
444 <li>
444 The Assessment should be disclosed upon initial completion to the parents and, if instructed, to
their solicitor to give them opportunity to challenge the Care Plan and risk assessment;
444 </li>
445 <li>
445 The Social Work Team should provide all relevant documentation (see
445 <a href="#documentation">
445 Section 4, Documentation
445 </a>
445 ) necessary to the Local Authority Legal Adviser to issue proceedings and application for ICO:
446 <ul>
447 <li>
447 Not less than 7 days before the expected date of delivery;
447 </li>
448 <li>
448 Legal Services must issue on the day of the birth and certainly no later than 24 hours after
the birth (or the date on which the Local Authority is notified of the birth).
448 </li>
449 </ul>
450 </li>
451 <li>
451 Immediately on issue – or before – the social worker:
452 <ul>
453 <li>
453 Should serve the applications and supporting evidence on the parents and, if a solicitor has
been instructed, legal services will serve papers on their respective solicitors.
453 </li>
454 </ul>
455 </li>
456 </ul>
457 <h3 id="documentation">
457 4. Documentation
457 </h3>
458 <h4 id="local_documentation">
458 4.1 Local Authority Documentation
458 </h4>
459 <p>
459 <span class="bold">
459 Documents to be Filed with the Court
460 </span>
460 </p>
461 <p>
461 The following documents must be attached to the application filed with the court
461 <span class="bold">
461 on Day 1
461 </span>
461 :
461 </p>
462 <ul>
463 <li>
463 The social work Chronology;
463 </li>
464 <li>
464 The social work statement and Genogram – including any early identification of Connected Carers;
464 </li>
465 <li>
465 Any current Assessment relating to the child and/or the family and friends of the child to which
the social work statement refers and on which the local authority relies;
465 </li>
466 <li>
466 The Care Plan;
466 </li>
467 <li>
467 Index of Checklist documents.
467 </li>
468 </ul>
469 <span class="bold">
469 Documents to be Served on the Other Parties (but not filed with the court)
470 </span>
471 <p>
471 <span class="bold">
471 On Day 2
471 </span>
471 the local authority must serve on the other parties (but must not file with the court unless
expressly directed to do so) the application form and annex documents as set out above, together
with the 'evidential checklist documents'. These are evidential and other documents which already
exist on the local authority's files, including:
471 </p>
472 <ul>
473 <li>
473 Previous court orders (including foreign orders) and judgments/reasons;
473 </li>
474 <li>
474 Any assessment materials relevant to the key issues, including capacity to litigate, Section 7
or Section 37 reports;
474 </li>
475 <li>
475 Single, joint or inter-agency reports, such as health, education, Home Office and Immigration
Tribunal documents.
475 </li>
476 </ul>
477 <span class="bold">
477 Documents to be Disclosed on Request by any Party
478 </span>
479 <ul>
480 <li>
480 Decision-making records, including:
481 <ul>
482 <li>
482 Records of key discussions with the family;
482 </li>
483 <li>
483 Key local authority minutes and records for the child;
483 </li>
484 <li>
484 Pre-existing Care Plans (e.g. Child in Need Plan, Looked After child plan and Child
Protection Plan;
484 </li>
485 <li>
485 Letters before proceedings;
485 </li>
486 <li>
486 Any issued as to jurisdiction/international element should be flagged with the court.
486 </li>
487 </ul>
488 </li>
489 </ul>
490 <span class="bold">
490 Principles
490 </span>
491 <p>
491 In the revised Public Law Outline, both the filing and service of documents is more focused, with
a concentration on what is relevant, central and key, rather than what is peripheral or
historical. Local authority materials are expected to be much shorter than previously, and they
should be more focused on analysis than on history and narrative. Even if there has been local
authority involvement with the family extending over many years, both the social work Chronology
and the summary of the background circumstances as set out in the social work statement must be
kept appropriately short, focusing on the key significant historical events and concerns and
rigorously avoiding all unnecessary detail.
491 </p>
492 <p>
492 <span class="bold">
492 Documents must be recent
492 </span>
492 - restricted to the most recent, limited to those from the last 2 years. Documents need not be
served or listed if they are older than 2 years before issue of the proceedings, unless reliance
is placed on them in the local authority's evidence.
492 </p>
493 <p>
493 <span class="bold">
493 Documents must be focused and succinct
493 </span>
493 .
493 </p>
494 <p>
494 The social work Chronology is a schedule containing:
494 </p>
495 <ul>
496 <li>
496 A succinct summary of the length of involvement of the local authority with the family and in
particular with the child;
496 </li>
497 <li>
497 A succinct summary of the significant dates and events in the child's life in chronological
order, i.e. a running record up to the issue of the proceedings, providing such information
under the following headings:
498 <ol style="list-style-type:lower-roman">
499 <li>
499 Serial number;
499 </li>
500 <li>
500 Date;
500 </li>
501 <li>
501 Event-detail;
501 </li>
502 <li>
502 Witness or document reference (where applicable);
502 </li>
503 <li>
503 The Chronology should be no more than 10 sheets and sides of A4 text unless specifically
directed by the court.
503 </li>
504 </ol>
505 </li>
506 <li>
506 The social work statement should be no more than 25 sheets and sides of A4 text unless
specifically directed by the court. (This is exclusive of exhibits). It is to be
506 <span class="italic">
506 limited
506 </span>
506 to the following evidence:
507 <ul>
508 <li>
508 Summary:
509 <ul>
510 <li>
510 The order sought;
510 </li>
511 <li>
511 <span class="italic">
511 Succinct
511 </span>
511 summary of reasons with reference as appropriate to the Welfare Checklist.
511 </li>
512 </ul>
513 </li>
514 <li>
514 Family:
515 <ul>
516 <li>
516 Family members and relationships especially the primary carers and significant adults /
other children;
516 </li>
517 <li>
517 Genogram.
517 </li>
518 </ul>
519 </li>
520 <li>
520 Threshold:
521 <ul>
522 <li>
522 Precipitating events;
522 </li>
523 <li>
523 Background circumstances:
524 <ul>
525 <li>
525 Summary of children's services involvement. This must be cross-referenced to the
Chronology;
525 </li>
526 <li>
526 Previous court orders and emergency steps;
526 </li>
527 <li>
527 Previous assessments.
527 </li>
528 </ul>
529 </li>
530 <li>
530 <span class="italic">
530 Summary
530 </span>
530 of Significant Harm and / or likelihood of significant harm which the local authority
will seek to establish by evidence or concession.
530 </li>
531 </ul>
532 </li>
533 <li>
533 Parenting capacity:
534 <ul>
535 <li>
535 <span class="italic">
535 Assessment
535 </span>
535 of child's needs;
535 </li>
536 <li>
536 <span class="italic">
536 Assessment
536 </span>
536 of parental capability to meet needs;
536 </li>
537 <li>
537 <span class="italic">
537 Analysis
537 </span>
537 of why there is a gap between parental capability and the child's needs;
537 </li>
538 <li>
538 Assessment of other significant adults who may be carers.
538 </li>
539 </ul>
540 </li>
541 <li>
541 Child impact:
542 <ul>
543 <li>
543 Wishes and feelings of the child(ren);
543 </li>
544 <li>
544 Timetable for the child;
544 </li>
545 <li>
545 Delay and timetable for the proceedings.
545 </li>
546 </ul>
547 </li>
548 <li>
548 Permanence and contact:
549 <ul>
550 <li>
550 Parallel planning;
550 </li>
551 <li>
551 Realistic placement options by reference to a welfare and proportionality analysis;
551 </li>
552 <li>
552 Contact framework.
552 </li>
553 </ul>
554 </li>
555 <li>
555 Case management:
556 <ul>
557 <li>
557 Evidence and assessments necessary and outstanding;
557 </li>
558 <li>
558 Any information about any person's litigation capacity, mental health issues,
disabilities or vulnerabilities that is relevant to their capability to participate in
the proceedings (see
558 <a
href="https://www.justice.gov.uk/courts/procedure-rules/family/practice_directions/pract
ice-direction-3aa-vulnerable-persons-participation-in-proceedings-and-giving-evidence
" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
558 Practice Direction 3AA - Vulnerable Persons: Participation in Proceedings and Giving
Evidence
558 </a>
558 );
558 </li>
559 <li>
559 Case management proposals.
559 </li>
560 </ul>
561 </li>
562 </ul>
563 </li>
564 </ul>
565 <p>
565 The local authority materials must be succinct, analytical and evidence-based. Assessment and
analysis are crucial. They need to distinguish clearly between what is fact and what is
professional evaluation, assessment, analysis and opinion, and between the general background and
the specific matters relied on to establish 'threshold'.
565 </p>
566 <span class="bold">
566 Threshold Statement
567 </span>
568 <p>
568 'Threshold Statement' means a written outline by the legal representative of the local authority,
of the facts which the local authority will seek to establish by evidence or concession to satisfy
the threshold criteria under s31(2) of the Children Act 1989, limited to no more than 2 pages.
568 </p>
569 <span class="bold">
569 Local Authority Case Summary
570 </span>
571 <p>
571 A document prepared by the Local Authority legal representative for each case management hearing
in the prescribed form. Unless specifically directed by the court, it should be no more than 6
sheets and sides of A4 text.
571 </p>
572 <p class="bold" id="Final">
572 Final Care Plan
572 </p>
573 <p>
573 It is important that the Care Plan records information which will help the child, parent or the
child's carer understand why decisions have been or are being made.
573 </p>
574 <p>
574 It should set out:
574 </p>
575 <ul>
576 <li>
576 The information about the long term plan for the child, including timescales (the Permanence
Plan);
576 </li>
577 <li>
577 The arrangements to meet the child's needs in line with the child's developmental needs domain
of the Assessment Framework (see
577 <a href="p_assessment.html#principles">
577 Assessments Procedure, Principles for a Good Assessment
577 </a>
577 ):
578 <ul>
579 <li>
579 Arrangements for promoting the child's health, detailing GP and other arrangements,
particularly where there is a health condition that requires monitoring or treatment;
579 </li>
580 <li>
580 Early Years provision and education, detailing the PEP (identifying the resources and
services that will meet the child's needs, together with any additional support that has
been assessed as required);
580 </li>
581 <li>
581 Contact arrangements for the child with the parents and others who have Parental
Responsibility, together with any other significant people the child has relationships with,
(for example a sibling in another placement), detailing the frequency and any support
required. Or, where no contact is sought, the reasons for this and why it is not in the
child's best interest;
581 </li>
582 <li>
582 Details of any court orders sought, e.g. section 8; section 34; Placement Order, etc.
582 </li>
583 <li>
583 Details of any other local authority or voluntary body services and resources that are
planned to be taken up by the child or their parent/carer and the reasons for this, together
with who will be responsible for the arrangements. Also, to include possible future support
the child may be entitled to, e.g. leaving care arrangements;
583 </li>
584 <li>
584 Details of the Placement Plan and why the placement was chosen and the way in which it will
meet the child's needs;
584 </li>
585 <li>
585 The wishes and feelings of relevant people about the arrangements for the child;
585 </li>
586 <li>
586 The wishes and feelings of those people about any proposed changes to the Care Plan;
586 </li>
587 <li>
587 Details of the review of any arrangements made or required, including the name of the IRO
and who, or which, agencies will be involved;
587 </li>
588 <li>
588 Identification of a contingency plan in the event that the Care Plan is not achieved.
588 </li>
589 </ul>
590 </li>
591 </ul>
592 <p>
592 The Care Plan will need to be signed by the practitioner completing it, together with the
Nominated Officer who has responsibility for agreeing the resources to be made available.
592 </p>
593 <p>
593 The Care Plan should be no more than 10 sheets of A4 paper and sides, unless directed by the
court.
593 </p>
594 <h4 id="case_analysis">
594 4.2 Case Analysis
595 </h4>
596 <p>
596 A written (or, if there is insufficient time, an oral) outline of the case from the perspective of
the child's best interests prepared by the Children's Guardian or Welsh family proceedings officer
for the CMH or FCMH (where one is necessary) and IRH or as otherwise directed by the court,
incorporating an analysis of the key issues that need to be resolved in the case including:
596 </p>
597 <ul>
598 <li>
598 A threshold analysis;
598 </li>
599 <li>
599 A case management analysis, highlighting any gaps in the evidence and additional assessments /
actions required, including an analysis of the timetable for the proceedings, an analysis of the
Timetable for the Child and the evidence which any party proposes is necessary to resolve the
issues;
599 </li>
600 <li>
600 An analysis of parenting capacity to meet the child's needs, including any gaps and whether
these gaps can be bridged within the child's timescales
600 </li>
601 <li>
601 A child impact analysis, including:
602 <ul>
603 <li>
603 An assessment of the impact on the child concerned of any harm that he or she suffered or
was likely to suffer;
603 </li>
604 <li>
604 An analysis of the ascertainable wishes and feelings of the child and the impact on the
welfare of the child of any application to adjourn a hearing or extend the timetable for the
proceedings;
604 </li>
605 <li>
605 Interim Contact needs of the child.
605 </li>
606 </ul>
607 </li>
608 <li>
608 A contingent, early permanence analysis (by reference to a welfare and proportionality analysis)
including:
609 <ul>
610 <li>
610 An analysis of the proposed placements whether by family member/family friend; adoption; or
other long-term care;
610 </li>
611 <li>
611 The way in which the long-term plan for the upbringing of the child would meet the current
and future needs of the child, (including needs arising out of that impact of any
significant harm, or likelihood of it);
611 </li>
612 <li>
612 Contact framework;
612 </li>
613 <li>
613 Any additional support that the placement will require from partner agencies.
613 </li>
614 </ul>
615 </li>
616 <li>
616 Whether and if so what communication it is proposed there should be during the proceedings with
the child by the court.
616 </li>
617 </ul>
618 <h4>
618 4.3 Parents' Response
619 </h4>
620 <p>
620 A document from either or both of the parents containing:
620 </p>
621 <ul>
622 <li>
622 In no more than 2 pages, the parents' response to the Threshold Statement;
622 </li>
623 <li>
623 The parents' placement proposals including the identity and whereabouts of all relatives and
friends they propose be considered by the court;
624 </li>
625 <li>
625 Information which may be relevant to a person's capacity to litigate including information about
any referrals to mental health services and adult services.
625 </li>
626 </ul>
627 <h3 id="flexible_powers">
627 5. Flexible Powers of the Court
627 </h3>
628 <p>
628 Although the Public Law Outline sets out a prescribed set of stages, it also provides for
flexibility at any stage of the proceedings. Steps, which the court will ordinarily take at the
various stages of the proceedings, may be taken at another stage if the circumstances of the case
so merit.
628 </p>
629 <p>
629 The flexible powers of the court include the ability for the court to cancel or repeat a
particular hearing, to give directions without a hearing including setting a date for the Final
Hearing (or a period within which the final hearing will take place), or to take oral evidence at
the Case Management Hearing, Further Case Management Hearing or Issues Resolution Hearing. Where
it is anticipated that oral evidence may be required at the Case Management Hearing ('CMH'),
Further Case Management Hearing ('FCMH') or Issues Resolution Hearing ('IRH'), the court must be
notified well in advance and directions sought for the conduct of the hearing.
629 </p>
630 <p>
630 Where a party has requested an urgent hearing:
630 </p>
631 <ol style="list-style-type:lower-alpha">
632 <li>
632 To enable the court to give immediate directions or orders to facilitate any case management
issue which is to be considered at the CMH; or
632 </li>
633 <li>
633 To decide whether an ICO is necessary.
633 </li>
634 </ol>
635 <p>
635 The court may list such a hearing at any appropriate time before the CMH and give directions for
that hearing. It is anticipated that an urgent preliminary case management hearing will only be
necessary to consider issues such as jurisdiction, parentage, party status, capacity to litigate,
disclosure and whether there is, or should be, a request to a Central Authority or other competent
authority in a foreign state or consular authority in England and Wales in an international case.
It is not intended that any urgent hearing will delay the CMH.
635 </p>
636 <p>
636 It is expected that full case management will take place at the CMH. It follows that the parties
must be prepared to deal with all relevant case management issues, as identified in
636 <a href="#stage_2">
636 Stage 2 – Case Management Hearing
636 </a>
636 . A FCMH should only be directed where necessary and must not be regarded as a routine step in
proceedings.
636 </p>
637 <h3 id="case_management_hearing">
637 6. Case Management Hearing
637 </h3>
638 <p>
638 A greater emphasis is placed on the first hearing, which is renamed Case Management Hearing
('CMH') (previously Case Management Conference). It is vital that the first Case Management
Hearing is effective in order to meet the 26-week deadline.
638 </p>
639 <p>
639 The first Case Management Hearing should take place not before Day 12 and not later than Day
18 from the date that the proceedings were issued.
639 </p>
640 <p>
640 It is expected that full case management will take place at the Case Management Hearing. The
parties must be prepared to deal with all relevant case management issues, as identified in
640 <a href="#stage_2">
640 Stage 2 – Case Management Hearing
640 </a>
640 . A Further Case Management Hearing ('FCMH') should only be directed where necessary and must not
be regarded as a routine step in proceedings.
640 </p>
641 <h3 id="the_timetable">
641 7. The Timetable for the Child and the Timetable for Proceedings
641 </h3>
642 <h4>
642 7.1 The Timetable for the Child
642 </h4>
643 <p>
643 The Timetable for the Child is the timetable set by the court which takes into account dates which
are important to the child's welfare and development.
643 </p>
644 <p>
644 The Timetable for the Proceedings is set having particular regard to the Timetable for the Child,
and the Timetable for the Child needs to be reviewed regularly. Where adjustments are made to the
Timetable for the Child, the Timetable for the Proceedings will have to be reviewed consistently
with the aim of resolving the proceedings within 26 weeks or the period of time specified by the
court. If proceedings can be resolved sooner than 26 weeks, then they should be.
644 </p>
645 <p>
645 Examples of the dates the court will take into account when setting the Timetable for the Child
are the dates of:
645 </p>
646 <ul>
647 <li>
647 Any Looked After Review;
647 </li>
648 <li>
648 Any significant educational steps, including the child taking up a place at a new school
and, where applicable, any review of a statement of the child's Special Educational Needs;
648 </li>
649 <li>
649 Any health care steps, including assessment by a paediatrician or other specialist;
649 </li>
650 <li>
650 Any review of local authority plans for the child, including any plans for permanence through
adoption, Special Guardianship or placement with parents or relatives;
650 </li>
651 <li>
651 Any change or proposed change of the child's placement;
651 </li>
652 <li>
652 Any significant change in the child's social or family circumstances; or
652 </li>
653 <li>
653 Any timetable for the determination of an issue in a case with an international element.
653 </li>
654 </ul>
655 <p>
655 Information about these significant steps in the child's life must be provided in the Application
Form and the social work statement, and this information must be updated regularly, taking into
account information received from others involved in the child's life such as the parties, members
of the child's family, the person who is caring for the child, the children's guardian, the
Independent Reviewing Officer, the child's key social worker and any Central Authority or
competent authority in a foreign state or a consular authority in England and Wales in a case with
an international element.
655 </p>
656 <p>
656 Where more than one child is the subject of the proceedings, the court should consider and will
set a Timetable for the Child for each child. The children may not all have the same timetable,
and the court will consider the appropriate progress of the proceedings in relation to each child.
656 </p>
657 <p>
657 Where there are parallel care proceedings and criminal proceedings against a person connected with
the child for a serious offence against the child, linked directions hearings should where
practicable take place as the case progresses. The timing of the proceedings in a linked care and
criminal case should appear in the Timetable for the Child. The time limit of resolving the
proceedings within 26 weeks applies unless a longer timetable has been set by the court in order
to resolve the proceedings justly. In these proceedings, early disclosure and listing of hearings
is necessary.
657 </p>
658 <p>
658 See also
658 <a href="files/disclosure.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
658 Protocol and Good Practice Model: Disclosure of Information in Cases of Alleged Child Abuse and
Linked Criminal and Care Direction Hearings (October 2013)
658 </a>
658 .
658 </p>
659 <h4>
659 7.2 The Timetable for the Proceedings
659 </h4>
660 <p>
660 The court will draw up a Timetable for the Proceedings with a view to disposing of the
application:
660 </p>
661 <ul>
662 <li>
662 Without delay; and
662 </li>
663 <li>
663 In any event, within 26 weeks beginning with the day on which the application was issued.
663 </li>
664 </ul>
665 <p>
665 The court will have regard to:
665 </p>
666 <ul>
667 <li>
667 The impact which the timetable or any revised timetable would have on the welfare of the child;
and
667 </li>
668 <li>
668 The impact which the timetable or any revised timetable would have on the duration and conduct
of the proceedings.
668 </li>
669 </ul>
670 <p>
670 The court will use the Timetable for the Child to assess the impact on the welfare of the child,
and to draw up and revise the Timetable for the Proceedings.
670 </p>
671 <p>
671 A standard timetable and process is expected to be followed in respect of the giving of standard
directions on issue and allocation and other matters which should be carried out by the court on
issue, including setting and giving directions for the Case Management Hearing.
671 </p>
672 <h4>
672 7.3 Extensions to the Timetable for Proceedings
672 </h4>
673 <p>
673 Having regard to the circumstances of the particular case, the court may consider that it is
necessary to extend the time by which the proceedings are to be resolved beyond 26 weeks, but may
do so only if it considers that the extension is necessary to enable it to resolve the proceedings
justly. This may be on application or the court's own initiative. Extensions are not to be
granted routinely and require specific justification. When deciding whether to extend the
timetable, the court must have regard to the impact of any ensuing timetable revision on the
welfare of the child.
673 </p>
674 <p>
674 Applications for an extension should, wherever possible, only be made so that they are considered
at any hearing for which a date has been fixed or for which a date is about to be fixed. Where a
date for a hearing has been fixed, a party who wishes to make an application at that hearing but
does not have sufficient time to file an application notice should as soon as possible inform the
court (if possible in writing) and, if possible, the other parties of the nature of the
application and the reason for it. The party should then make the application orally at the
hearing.
674 </p>
675 <p>
675 The reason(s) for extending a case should be recorded in writing in the Case Management Order and
orally stated in court, so that all parties are aware of the reasons for delay in the case. The
Case Management Order must contain a record of this information, as well as the impact of the
court's decision on the welfare of the child.
675 </p>
676 <p>
676 An initial extension may be granted for up to eight weeks (or less if directed). A further
extension of up to eight weeks may be agreed by the court. There is no limit on the number of
extensions that may be granted. If a further extension is granted, the Case Management Order
should:
676 </p>
677 <ul>
678 <li>
678 State the reason(s) why it is necessary to have a further extension;
678 </li>
679 <li>
679 Fix the date of the next effective hearing (which might be a period shorter than a further eight
weeks); and
679 </li>
680 <li>
680 Indicate whether it is appropriate for the next application for an extension of the timetable to
be considered on paper. Extensions should generally be considered at a hearing – this can be by
telephone or by any other method of direct oral communication.
680 </li>
681 </ul>
682 <h3 id="use_of_experts">
682 8. Use of Experts
682 </h3>
683 <p>
683 One of the threads of the overall aim of reducing the time taken to deal with proceedings is a
change in the emphasis on, and a resulting reduction in, the use of expert evidence.
683 </p>
684 <p>
684 Revised Rules and Practice Directions came into force on 31 January 2013 relating to expert
evidence. These were put onto a statutory footing by Section 13 of the Children and Families Act
2014.
684 </p>
685 <p>
685 The changes include:
685 </p>
686 <ul>
687 <li>
687 A change to the test for permission to put expert evidence before the court from 'reasonably
required' to 'necessary to assist the court to resolve the proceedings justly'. This new test
also applies to permission to instruct an expert and for a child to be examined or assessed for
the purpose of the provision of expert evidence;
687 </li>
688 <li>
688 The inclusion of specific factors to which the court is to have particular regard in reaching a
decision whether to give permission relating to expert evidence, including:
689 <ul>
690 <li>
690 Any impact which giving permission would be likely to have on the child(ren);
690 </li>
691 <li>
691 The impact on the timetable and conduct of the proceedings;
691 </li>
692 <li>
692 The cost;
692 </li>
693 <li>
693 What other expert evidence is available (whether obtained before or after the start of the
proceedings), and whether evidence could be given by another person, such as a social worker
or the Children's Guardian.
693 </li>
694 </ul>
695 </li>
696 <li>
696 An application for permission to instruct an expert should state the questions which the expert
is required to answer and the court will give directions approving the questions that are to be
put to the expert.
696 </li>
697 </ul>
698 <p>
698 Decisions about commissioning such evidence should be made early in the proceedings, usually at
the Case Management Hearing.
698 </p>
699 <h3 id="good_local_auth">
699 9. Good Local Authority Practice During Proceedings
699 </h3>
700 <p>
700 Throughout the proceedings, the local authority must comply with court directions made regarding
the timetabling and conduct of the case and the delivery of additional information and any
specialist reports or up-dated assessments relevant to the local authority's case which the court
decides are necessary. This additional material should be delivered within the timeframes set by
the court. Where compliance becomes problematic the local authority will notify the court without
delay and in advance of the deadline and seek an extension.
700 </p>
701 <p>
701 Both the local authority social worker and the local authority advocate should be in command of
the essential evidence and equipped to present this clearly and confidently to the court. The
social worker should also be clear on the degree of certainty in the conclusions they have drawn
and have to hand the key facts and dates to support their judgements.
701 </p>
702 <p>
702 Where significant new factors or circumstances bearing on the case emerge late in the proceedings,
the local authority (or the children's guardian or parent / lawyer) will draw these to the
court's attention, sharing the information with other parties at the earliest opportunity and
seeking to reach a common approach on hafndling before the next court hearing.
702 </p>
703 <p>
703 Pending final decisions by the court, the children's need for stability and security remains a
priority and will be reflected in any interim Care Plans, including plans for contact, which the
local authority puts forward to the court. The local authority should ensure appropriate, high
quality and stable placements are provided, where necessary, while a child's future is decided.
703 </p>
704 <p>
704 It is essential that the social worker and the local authority solicitor have regular contact
during the course of the proceedings, and that the progress of the case is kept under constant
review.
704 </p>
705 <p>
705 This will include discussion of any disclosure issues, which may need to be the subject of
directions by the Court. Any correspondence received by the social worker from solicitors/experts
during court proceedings, should be forwarded as soon as possible to the local authority
solicitor, together with detailed instructions for the reply.
705 </p>
706 <p>
706 The social worker must keep the local authority solicitor, Children's Guardian and the Independent
Reviewing Officer (IRO) up to date with any changes in relation to the child during the
proceedings, for example, placement, contact, school/education, health. Arrangements
706 <span class="bold">
706 must not
706 </span>
706 be made for any change to the child's placement without prior consultation with the Children's
Guardian and the child Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO).
706 </p>
707 <p>
707 The Family Court, in the case of
707 <a href="http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWFC/HCJ/2018/40.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
707 RE M and N (Children) (Local authority gathering, preserving and disclosing evidence)
707 </a>
707 made clear the need for good practice in relation to note-taking and record-keeping, and
disclosure of relevant evidence to all parties:
707 </p>
708 <ul>
709 <li>
709 Social workers/practitioners must make contemporaneous notes which form a coherent,
contemporaneous record. The notes should be legible, signed and dated and record persons present
during the meeting/conversation in question. The notes should be detailed and accurately
attribute descriptions, actions and views etc. Sketches/diagrams may be helpful in establishing
the veracity of explanations given, e.g. in relation to how injuries were sustained;
709 </li>
710 <li>
710 Formal case-notes based upon these contemporaneous notes must be created as soon as possible in
order to reduce the potential for inaccuracy/faulty recall as a result of delay. The original
notes should be retained and be available to the court if required. Legal advice should be
sought as to the need for disclosure of these notes to other parties in the case. If the notes
constitute 'material evidence', then they must be disclosed;
710 </li>
711 <li>
711 The local authority must ensure full disclosure of all material evidence to all relevant parties
at the earliest opportunity. This includes ensuring that expert witnesses have had sight of one
another's evidence – a full picture must be presented to the expert witnesses in the case.
711 </li>
712 </ul>
713 <h3 id="case_manag">
713 10. Case Management Checklist and Flowcharts
713 </h3>
714 <h4 id="pre_proceed">
714 10.1 Pre-Proceedings
715 </h4>
716 <table title="pre-proceedings checklist">
717 <caption class="hide">
717 CAPTION: Preproceed checklist
717 </caption>
718 <tr class="hide">
719 <th scope="col">
719
719 </th>
720 <th scope="col">
720
720 </th>
721 </tr>
723 <tr>
724 <td colspan="2" class="table_header">
724 PRE-PROCEEDINGS
724 </td>
725 </tr>
726 <tr>
727 <td colspan="2" class="table_header">
727 PRE-PROCEEDINGS CHECKLIST
727 </td>
728 </tr>
729 <tr>
730 <td style="width:50%" class="table_row_even">
730 <p>
730 Annex Documents are the documents specified in the Annex to the Application Form which are
to be attached to that form and filed with the court:
730 </p>
731 <ul>
732 <li>
732 Social Work Chronology;
732 </li>
733 <li>
733 Social Work Statement and Genogram;
733 </li>
734 <li>
734 The current assessments relating to the child and/or the family and friends of the child
to which the Social Work Statement refers and on which the LA relies;
734 </li>
735 <li>
735 Care Plan;
735 </li>
736 <li>
736 Index of Checklist Documents.
736 </li>
737 </ul>
737 </td>
738 <td>
738 <p>
738 Checklist documents (already existing on the LA's files) are:
738 </p>
739 <p>
739 (a) Evidential documents including:
739 </p>
740 <ul>
741 <li>
741 Previous court orders including foreign orders and judgments/reasons;
741 </li>
742 <li>
742 Any assessment materials relevant to the key issues including capacity to litigate,
Section 7 and 37 reports;
742 </li>
743 <li>
743 Single, joint or inter-agency materials (e.g. health & education/Home Office and
Immigration Tribunal documents).
743 </li>
744 </ul>
745 <p>
745 (b) Decision-making records including:
745 </p>
746 <ul>
747 <li>
747 Records of key discussions with the family;
747 </li>
748 <li>
748 Key LA minutes and records for the child;
748 </li>
749 <li>
749 Pre-existing care plans (e.g. child in need plan, looked after child plan and child
protection plan);
749 </li>
750 <li>
750 Letters Before Proceedings.
750 </li>
751 </ul>
752 <p>
752 Only Checklist documents in (a) are to be served with the application form.
752 </p>
753 <p>
753 Checklist Documents in (b) are to be disclosed on request by any party.
753 </p>
754 <p>
754 Checklist documents are not to be:
754 </p>
755 <ul>
756 <li>
756 Filed with the court unless the court directs otherwise; and
756 </li>
757 <li>
757 Older than 2 years before the date of issue of the proceedings unless reliance is placed
on the same in the LA's evidence.
757 </li>
758 </ul>
758 </td>
759 </tr>
760 </table>
761 <h4 id="stage_1">
761 10.2 Stage 1 - Issue and Allocation
762 </h4>
763 <table title="Stage 1 Issue and Allocation">
764 <caption class="hide">
764 CAPTION: Stage 1 issue and allocation
764 </caption>
765 <tr class="hide">
766 <th scope="col">
766
766 </th>
767 <th scope="col">
767
767 </th>
768 </tr>
770 <tr>
771 <td class="table_header">
771 STAGE 1 ISSUE AND ALLOCATION
771 </td>
772 </tr>
773 <tr>
774 <td class="table_header">
774 DAY 1 AND DAY 2
774 </td>
775 </tr>
776 <tr>
777 <td class="table_row_even">
777 <p>
777 On Day 1 (Day of issue):
777 </p>
778 <ul>
779 <li>
779 The LA files the Application Form and Annex Documents and sends copies to Cafcass/CAFCASS
CYMRU;
779 </li>
780 <li>
780 The LA notifies the court of the need for an urgent preliminary case management hearing or
an urgent contested ICO hearing where this is known or expected;
780 </li>
781 <li>
781 Court officer issues application.
781 </li>
782 </ul>
783 <p>
783 Within a day of issue (Day 2):
783 </p>
784 <ul>
785 <li>
785 Court considers jurisdiction in a case with an international element;
785 </li>
786 <li>
786 Court considers initial allocation to specified level of judge in accordance with the
Allocation Rules and any President's Guidance on the distribution of business;
786 </li>
787 <li>
787 LA serves the Application Form, Annex Documents and evidential Checklist Documents on the
parties together with the notice of date and time of CMH and any urgent hearing;
787 </li>
788 <li>
788 Court gives standard directions on Issue and Allocation including:
789 <ul>
790 <li>
790 Checking compliance with Pre-Proceedings Checklist including service of any missing
Annex Documents;
790 </li>
791 <li>
791 Appointing Children's Guardian (to be allocated by Cafcass/CAFCASS CYMRU);
791 </li>
792 <li>
792 Appointing solicitor for the child only if necessary;
792 </li>
793 <li>
793 Appointing (if the person to be appointed consents) a litigation friend for any
protected party or any non-subject child who is a party, including the OS where
appropriate;
793 </li>
794 <li>
794 Identifying whether a request has been made or should be made to a Central Authority
or other competent authority in a foreign state or a consular authority in England and
Wales in a case with an international element;
794 </li>
795 <li>
795 Filing and service of a LA Case Summary;
795 </li>
796 <li>
796 Filing and service of a Case Analysis by the Children's Guardian;
796 </li>
797 <li>
797 Filing and Serving the Parents' Response;
797 </li>
798 <li>
798 Sending a request for disclosure to, e.g. the police or health service body;
798 </li>
799 <li>
799 Filing and serving an application for permission relating to experts under Part 25 on
a date prior to the advocates meeting for the CMH;
799 </li>
800 <li>
800 Directing the solicitor for the child to arrange an advocates' meeting no later than 2
business days before the CMH;
800 </li>
801 <li>
801 Listing the CMH.
801 </li>
802 </ul>
803 </li>
804 <li>
804 Court considers any request for an urgent preliminary case management hearing or an urgent
contested ICO hearing and where necessary lists the hearing and gives additional
directions;
804 </li>
805 <li>
805 Court officer sends copy Notice of Hearing of the CMH and any urgent hearing by email to
Cafcass / CAFCASS CYMRU.
805 </li>
806 </ul>
806 </td>
807 </tr>
808 </table>
809 <h4 id="stage_2">
809 10.3 Stage 2 - Case Management Hearing
810 </h4>
811 <table title="Stage 2 - Case Mangement Meeting">
812 <caption class="hide">
812 CAPTION: Stage 2 Case management meeting
812 </caption>
813 <tr class="hide">
814 <th scope="col">
814
814 </th>
815 <th scope="col">
815
815 </th>
816 </tr>
818 <tr>
819 <td colspan="2" class="table_header">
819 STAGE 2 - CASE MANAGEMENT HEARING
819 </td>
820 </tr>
821 <tr class="table_header">
822 <td>
822 ADVOCATES' MEETING
822 <br />
823 (including any litigants in person)
823 </td>
824 <td>
824 CASE MANAGEMENT HEARING
824 </td>
825 </tr>
826 <tr>
827 <td style="width:50%" class="table_row_even">
827 No later than 2 business days before CMH (or FCMH if it is necessary).
827 </td>
828 <td>
828 <p>
828 CMH: Not before day 12 and not later than day 18.
828 </p>
829 A FCMH is to be held only if necessary, it is to be listed as soon as possible and in any
event no later than day 25.
829 </td>
830 </tr>
831 <tr>
832 <td class="table_row_even">
832 <ul>
833 <li>
833 Consider information on the Application Form and Annex documents, the LA Case Summary, and
the Case Analysis;
833 </li>
834 <li>
834 Identify the parties' positions to be recited in the draft Case Management Order;
834 </li>
835 <li>
835 Identify the parties' positions about jurisdiction, in particular arising out of any
international element;
835 </li>
836 <li>
836 If necessary, identify proposed experts and draft questions in accordance with Part 25 and
the Experts Practice Directions;
836 </li>
837 <li>
837 Identify any disclosure that in the advocates' views is necessary;
837 </li>
838 <li>
838 Immediately notify the court of the need for a contested ICO hearing and any issue about
allocation;
838 </li>
839 <li>
839 LA advocate to file a draft Case Management Order in prescribed form with court by 11a.m.
on the business day before the CMH and/or FCMH.
839 </li>
840 </ul>
840 </td>
841 <td>
841 <p>
841 Court gives detailed case management directions, including:
841 </p>
842 <ul>
843 <li>
843 Considering jurisdiction in a case with an international element;
843 </li>
844 <li>
844 Confirming allocation;
844 </li>
845 <li>
845 Drawing up the timetable for the child and the timetable for the proceedings and
considering if an extension is necessary;
845 </li>
846 <li>
846 Identifying additional parties, intervenors and representation (including confirming that
Cafcass/CAFCASS CYMRU have allocated a Children's Guardian and that a litigation friend is
appointed for any protected party or non-subject child);
846 </li>
847 <li>
847 Giving directions for the determination of any disputed issue about litigation capacity;
847 </li>
848 <li>
848 Identifying the key issues;
848 </li>
849 <li>
849 Identifying the evidence necessary to enable the court to resolve the key issues;
849 </li>
850 <li>
850 Deciding whether there is a real issue about threshold to be resolved;
850 </li>
851 <li>
851 Determining any application made under Part 25 and otherwise ensuring compliance with Part
25 where it is necessary for expert(s) to be instructed;
851 </li>
852 <li>
852 Identifying any necessary disclosure and if appropriate giving directions;
852 </li>
853 <li>
853 Giving directions for any concurrent or proposed placement order proceedings;
853 </li>
854 <li>
854 Ensuring compliance with the court's directions;
854 </li>
855 <li>
855 If a FCMH is necessary, directing an advocates' meeting and Case Analysis if required;
855 </li>
856 <li>
856 Directing filing of any threshold agreement, final evidence and Care Plan and responses to
those documents for the IRH;
856 </li>
857 <li>
857 Directing a Case Analysis for the IRH;
857 </li>
858 <li>
858 Directing an advocates' meeting for the IRH;
858 </li>
859 <li>
859 Listing (any FCMH) IRH, Final Hearing (including early Final Hearing) as appropriate;
859 </li>
860 <li>
860 Giving directions for special measures and/or interpreters and intermediaries;
860 </li>
861 <li>
861 Issuing the Case Management Order.
861 </li>
862 </ul>
862 </td>
863 </tr>
864 </table>
865 <h4 id="stage_3">
865 10.4 Stage 3 - Issues Resolution Hearing
866 </h4>
867 <table title="Stage 3 Issues Resolution Hearling">
868 <caption class="hide">
868 CAPTION: Stage 3 Issues Resolution Hearing
868 </caption>
869 <tr class="hide">
870 <th scope="col">
870
870 </th>
871 <th scope="col">
871
871 </th>
872 </tr>
874 <tr>
875 <td colspan="2" class="table_header">
875 STAGE 3 - ISSUES RESOLUTION HEARING
875 </td>
876 </tr>
877 <tr class="table_header">
878 <td style="width:50%">
878 ADVOCATES' MEETING
878 <br />
879 (including any litigants in person)
879 </td>
880 <td>
880 ISSUES RESOLUTION HEARING (IRH)
880 </td>
881 </tr>
882 <tr>
883 <td class="table_row_even">
883 No later than 7 business days before the IRH.
883 </td>
884 <td>
884 As directed by the court, in accordance with the timetable for the proceedings.
884 </td>
885 </tr>
886 <tr>
887 <td class="table_row_even">
887 <ul>
888 <li>
888 Review evidence and the positions of the parties;
888 </li>
889 <li>
889 Identify the advocates' views of:
890 <ul>
891 <li>
891 The remaining key issues and how the issues may be resolved or narrowed at the IRH
including by the making of final orders;
891 </li>
892 <li>
892 The further evidence which is required to be heard to enable the key issues to be
resolved or narrowed at the IRH;
892 </li>
893 <li>
893 The evidence that is relevant and the witnesses that are required at the final
hearing;
893 </li>
894 <li>
894 The need for a contested hearing and/or time for oral evidence to be given at the IRH.
894 </li>
895 </ul>
896 </li>
897 <li>
897 LA advocate to:
897 </li>
898 <li>
898 Notify the court immediately of the outcome of the discussion at the meeting;
898 </li>
899 <li>
899 File a draft Case Management Order with the court by 11a.m. on the business working day
before the IRH.
899 </li>
900 </ul>
900 </td>
901 <td>
901 <ul>
902 <li>
902 Court identifies the key issue(s) (if any) to be determined and the extent to which those
issues can be resolved or narrowed at the IRH;
902 </li>
903 <li>
903 Court considers whether the IRH can be used as a final hearing;
903 </li>
904 <li>
904 Court resolves or narrows the issues by hearing evidence;
904 </li>
905 <li>
905 Court identifies the evidence to be heard on the issues which remain to be resolved at the
final hearing;
905 </li>
906 <li>
906 Court gives final case management directions including:
907 <ul>
908 <li>
908 Any extension of the timetable for the proceedings which is necessary;
908 </li>
909 <li>
909 Filing of the threshold agreement or a statement of facts/issues remaining to be
determined;
909 </li>
910 <li>
910 Filing of:
911 <ul>
912 <li>
912 Final evidence & Care Plan;
912 </li>
913 <li>
913 Case Analysis for Final Hearing (if required);
913 </li>
914 <li>
914 Witness templates;
914 </li>
915 <li>
915 Skeleton arguments.
915 </li>
916 </ul>
917 </li>
918 <li>
918 Judicial reading list/reading time, including time estimate and an estimate for
judgment writing time;
918 </li>
919 <li>
919 Ensuring compliance with the court's directions (see:
919 <a
href="https://www.justice.gov.uk/courts/procedure-rules/family/practice_directions/pd_
part_27a" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
919 Practice Direction 27a - Family Proceedings: Court Bundles (Universal Practice to be
applied in the High Court and the Family Court)
919 </a>
919 );
919 </li>
920 <li>
920 Listing the Final Hearing.
920 </li>
921 </ul>
922 </li>
923 <li>
923 Court issues Case Management Order.
923 </li>
924 </ul>
924 </td>
925 </tr>
926 </table>
927 <h4>
927 10.5 Public Law Outline 2014 (26 weeks) Flowchart
928 </h4>
929 <p>
929 <a
href="http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20130128112038/http:/www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/
protecting-the-vulnerable/care-proceeding-reform/public-law-outline-flowchart.pdf"
target="_blank" rel="noopener">
929 Click here to view the Public Law Outline 2014 (26 weeks) Flowchart
929 </a>
929 .
929 </p>
930 <h3 id="parallel_crim_invest">
930 11. Parallel Criminal Investigations
930 </h3>
931 <p>
931 The
931 <a href="files/disclosure.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
931 Protocol and Good Practice Model: Disclosure of Information in Cases of Alleged Child Abuse and
Linked Criminal and Care Direction Hearings (October 2013)
931 </a>
931 provides guidance and good practice in relation to the disclosure of evidence between local
authorities, the police and the Crown Prosecution Service ('CPS'):
931 </p>
932 <ul>
933 <li>
933 The local authority should ensure that documents relating to family court proceedings are not
included in the files to be examined by the police. Instead, the local authority will provide a
list of such documents without describing what they are (e.g. by providing a copy of the
redacted court index), in order for the police and/or the CPS to apply to the family court for
disclosure;
933 </li>
934 <li>
934 The local authority
934 <span class="bold">
934 can
934 </span>
934 disclose to the police, documents relating to family court proceedings where the police officer
to whom disclosure is made is a member of a dedicated child protection unit and/or is exercising
powers of Police Protection under Section 46 of the Children Act 1989, and the disclosure is for
the purposes of child protection and not for the purposes of the criminal investigation;
934 </li>
935 <li>
935 The local authority can disclose to the police, documents which are lodged at court or used in
the proceedings which already existed prior to the commencement of the family court proceedings
(e.g. pre-existing medical reports); third party consent may be required before the local
authority can disclose any documents with the Police;
935 </li>
936 <li>
936 The text or summary of an approved judgment given in the family court proceedings can be
included in the files to be examined by the police;
936 </li>
937 <li>
937 Where material is disclosed to the police, it cannot be further disclosed to any other parties
(e.g. the CPS) for the purposes of the criminal investigation without the express permission of
the family court or local authority if the documents belong to the local authority.
937 </li>
938 </ul>
939 <h3>
939 Appendices
939 </h3>
940 <p>
940 <a href="files/letter_before_proc_template.docx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
940 Appendix 1: Letter Before Proceedings
940 </a>
940 </p>
941 <p>
941 <a href="files/letter_of_issue_template.docx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
941 Appendix 2: Letter of Issue
941 </a>
941 </p>
942 <p>
942 <a href="files/sw_consent_checklist.docx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
942 Appendix 3: Social Work Consent Checklist
942 </a>
942 </p>
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