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136 <h1>
136 Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline
136 </h1>
141 <div class="well">
142 <p class="bold">
142 NOTE
142 </p>
143 <p>
143 For applications for Emergency Protection Orders, see
143 <a href="p_app_emer_prot_ord.html">
143 Applications for Emergency Protection Orders Procedure
143 </a>
143 .
143 </p>
144 <p>
144 <span class="bold">
144 N.B.
144 </span>
144 Any changes in a child's legal status as a result of court proceedings must be recorded on
the electronic database.
144 </p>
145 <p class="bold">
145 RELATED CHAPTER
145 </p>
146 <p>
146 <a href="p_legal_planning_meetings.html">
146 Legal Planning Meetings Procedure
146 </a>
146 </p>
147 <p class="bold">
147 RELATED GUIDANCE
148 </p>
149 <p>
149 <a
href="http://www.justice.gov.uk/courts/procedure-rules/family/practice_directions/pd_part_12
a" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
149 Public Law Outline (2014)
149 </a>
149 </p>
150 <p>
150 <a
href="https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/306282/Statu
tory_guidance_on_court_orders_and_pre-proceedings.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
150 Statutory Guidance for Local Authorities on Court Orders and Pre-Proceedings (2014)
150 </a>
150 </p>
151 <p>
151 <a href="https://www.judiciary.uk/publications/protocol-good-practice-model-2013/"
target="_blank" rel="noopener">
151 Protocol and Good Practice Model: Disclosure of Information in Cases of Alleged Child
Abuse and Linked Criminal and Care Direction Hearings (October 2013)
151 </a>
151 </p>
152 <p>
152 <a
href="https://www.justice.gov.uk/courts/procedure-rules/family/practice_directions/practice-
direction-25b-the-duties-of-an-expert,-the-experts-report-and-arrangements-for-an-expert-to-
attend-court" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
152 Practice Direction 25B - The Duties of an Expert, the Expert's Report and Arrangements for
an Expert to Attend Court
152 </a>
152 </p>
153 <p>
153 <a href="https://coppguidance.rip.org.uk/social-work-evidence-template/" target="_blank"
rel="noopener">
153 Social Work Evidence Template (Research in Practice)
153 </a>
153 </p>
154 <p class="bold">
154 This chapter is currently under review.
154 </p>
155 </div>
162 <div class="section">
162 <h2 id="intro">
162 1. Introduction
162 </h2>
163 <p>
163 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.
163 </p>
164 <p>
164 Under the
164 <a
href="http://www.justice.gov.uk/courts/procedure-rules/family/practice_directions/pd_part_12
a" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
164 Public Law Outline (2014)
164 </a>
164 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.
164 </p>
165 <p>
165 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).
165 </p>
166 <p>
166 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
166 <a href="p_place_adop.html">
166 Placement for Adoption Procedure
166 </a>
166 ).
166 </p>
167 </div>
168 <div class="section1">
168 </div>
174 <div class="section">
174 <h2 id="pre_proceedings">
174 2. Pre-Proceedings
174 </h2>
175 <h3>
175 2.1 Principles
176 </h3>
177 <p>
177 Work done in the period pre-proceedings is vital for two reasons:
177 </p>
178 <ul>
179 <li>
179 It may divert a case along a route which avoids the need for proceedings;
179 </li>
180 <li>
180 When that is not possible, and proceedings have to be commenced, the preparatory work will
facilitate the smooth running of the case.
180 </li>
181 </ul>
182 <p>
182 Pre-proceedings work includes:
182 </p>
183 <ul>
184 <li>
184 Early help – see
184 <a
href="https://www.warrington.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2020-03/threshold_of_need_guide_20
17.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
184 Threshold of Need Guide
184 </a>
184 ;
184 </li>
185 <li>
185 Assessments and meeting assessed needs (see
185 <a href="p_assessment.html">
185 Assessments Procedure
185 </a>
185 ).
185 </li>
186 </ul>
187 <p>
187 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.
187 </p>
188 <ul>
189 <li>
189 Family group conferences and the identification and assessment of family and friends
placements, if appropriate (see
189 <a href="p_fam_frien_care_pol.html">
189 Family and Friends Care Policy
189 </a>
189 );
189 </li>
190 <li>
190 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 their age
and understanding) is kept aware of what is being proposed and that their views are
heard. This may include by way of an advocate for children and/or for parents where there
are issues of capacity (see
190 <a
href="https://www.judiciary.gov.uk/publications/family-proceedings-parents-with-a-learning
-disability/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
190 President of the Family Division, Family Proceedings: Parents with a Learning Disability
190 </a>
190 ).
190 <br>
191 <br>
192 (See also the
192 <a
href="https://www.proceduresonline.com/pancheshire/warrington/p_ch_par_mental_health.html
" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
192 Children of Parents with Mental Health Problems Procedure
192 </a>
192 /
192 <a
href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/media-library/sites/sps/documents/wtpn/2016%20WTPN%20UPDAT
E%20OF%20THE%20GPG%20-%20finalised%20with%20cover.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
192 Good Practice Guidance on Working with Parents with a Learning Disability (2007)
192 </a>
192 );
192 </li>
193 <li>
193 Legal Planning Meetings – see
193 <a href="p_legal_planning_meetings.html">
193 Legal Planning Meetings Procedure
193 </a>
193 .
193 </li>
194 </ul>
195 <p>
195 Sir James Munby, as 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:
195 </p>
196 <ul>
197 <li>
197 Local authority lawyers be involved, advising and assisting their social work clients, at
an early stage;
197 </li>
198 <li>
198 A properly organised Legal Planning Meeting is invaluable and can be the key to achieving
timely outcomes to Care Proceedings;
198 </li>
199 <li>
199 The employment of a local authority case manager is vital. The case manager works directly
with social workers and managers, with the intention of improving the quality of social
work Assessments and statements presented to court. The aim is that statements are
purposeful, concise and clearly lay out the work that has been undertaken up to that
point. The Case Manager works in a coaching role to help social workers produce high
quality statements and to be explicit about the impact of delay on each individual child.
199 </li>
200 </ul>
201 <h3>
201 2.2
201 <a id="legal_plan_meetings">
201 </a>
201 Legal Planning Meetings
202 </h3>
203 <p>
203 Before a decision can be made to initiate Care or Supervision Proceedings, a Legal Planning
Meeting should be held - see
203 <a href="p_legal_planning_meetings.html">
203 Legal Planning Meetings Procedure
203 </a>
203 .
203 </p>
204 <p>
204 At the Legal Planning Meeting, a decision will be made in principle about whether the
Threshold Criteria have been met and whether:
204 </p>
205 <ul>
206 <li>
206 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
206 </li>
207 <li>
207 Proceedings should be initiated immediately.
207 </li>
208 </ul>
209 <p>
209 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.
209 </p>
210 <p>
210 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:
210 </p>
211 <ul>
212 <li>
212 A
212 <span class="italic">
212 letter before proceedings
212 </span>
212 which states that proceedings are being contemplated; or
212 </li>
213 <li>
213 A
213 <span class="italic">
213 letter of issue
213 </span>
213 which states that proceedings are being initiated.
213 </li>
214 </ul>
215 <p>
215 (Standard letter templates are included at
215 <a href="files/letter_before_proc_template.docx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
215 Appendix 1: Letter Before Proceedings
215 </a>
215 ; and
215 <a href="files/letter_of_issue_template.docx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
215 Appendix 2: Letter of Issue
215 </a>
215 ).
215 </p>
216 <p>
216 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.
216 </p>
217 <p>
217 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.
217 </p>
218 <h3>
218 2.3 Letter Before Proceedings
219 </h3>
220 <p>
220 The Letter Before Proceedings (see letter template at
220 <a href="files/letter_before_proc_template.docx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
220 Appendix 1: Letter Before Proceedings
220 </a>
220 ) is the formal written notification that proceedings are likely. It should set out:
220 </p>
221 <ul>
222 <li>
222 A summary in simple language of the local authority's concerns;
222 </li>
223 <li>
223 A summary of what support has already been provided to the parents;
223 </li>
224 <li>
224 What the parents need to do and what support will be provided for them, to avoid
proceedings, including timescales;
224 </li>
225 <li>
225 Information on how to obtain legal advice and advocacy, making clear how important it is
for the parent to seek legal representation.
225 </li>
226 </ul>
227 <p>
227 The letter should invite the parents/others with Parental Responsibility to a
pre-proceedings meeting (see
227 <a href="#pre_proc">
227 Section 2.4, Pre-Proceedings Meeting
227 </a>
227 ).
227 </p>
228 <p>
228 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.
228 </p>
229 <h3 id="pre_proc">
229 2.4 Pre-Proceedings Meeting
230 </h3>
231 <p>
231 Where proceedings are being contemplated, parents/others with Parental Responsibility should
be invited to a pre-proceedings meeting to agree proposals for addressing the current
problems which have led to concerns about the welfare of the child.
231 </p>
232 <p>
232 At this meeting, the local authority should:
232 </p>
233 <ul>
234 <li>
234 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;
234 </li>
235 <li>
235 Outline the steps that the local authority will take at the end of this period, depending
on whether progress has been demonstrated; and
235 </li>
236 <li>
236 Review arrangements for identifying potential family carers, and/or for assessments with
the parents, particularly where these require letters of instruction to assessment
services.
236 </li>
237 </ul>
238 <p>
238 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.
238 </p>
239 </div>
240 <div class="section1">
240 </div>
246 <div class="section">
246 <h2 id="starting_care">
246 3. Starting Care or Supervision Proceedings
246 </h2>
247 <p>
247 Before a decision can be made to initiate care or supervision proceedings, the approval of
the Designated Manager (Care Proceedings) must be obtained.
247 </p>
248 <p>
248 Once the decision has been taken to initiate proceedings, the social worker will send the
parents/those with parental responsibility a letter of issue which states that proceedings
are being initiated – see letter template at
248 <a href="files/letter_of_issue_template.docx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
248 Appendix 2: Letter of Issue
248 </a>
248 .
248 </p>
249 <p>
249 The social worker and local authority solicitor will then prepare the documents that are
required to be produced for Court. The local authority solicitor will advise the court of
the name of the independent reviewing officer and their contact details.
249 </p>
250 <p>
250 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.
250 </p>
251 <h3>
251 3.1
251 <a id="pre_birth_plan">
251 </a>
251 Pre-Birth Planning and Proceedings
251 </h3>
252 <p>
252 Considering Care and Supervision Proceedings at a pre-birth stage and when a child is newly
born remains challenging for a number of reasons.
252 </p>
253 <p>
253 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.
253 </p>
254 <p>
254 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
254 <a href="p_app_emer_prot_ord.html#x_council">
254 Applications for Emergency Protection Orders Procedure, X Council v B Guidance
254 </a>
254 ).
254 </p>
255 <p>
255 It continues to be important to ensure for both the child and the parent(s):
255 </p>
256 <ul>
257 <li>
257 Any hearing should be considered a 'fair hearing' commensurate with Article 6 of the Human
Rights Act (the right to a fair trial);
257 </li>
258 <li>
258 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);
258 </li>
259 <li>
259 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'.
259 </li>
260 </ul>
261 <p>
261 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'.
261 </p>
262 <p class="bold">
262 Good Practice Steps
262 </p>
263 <p>
263 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':
263 </p>
264 <ul>
265 <li>
265 The Pre-birth Plan should be rigorously adhered to by social work practitioners, managers
and legal departments;
265 </li>
266 <li>
266 A risk assessment of the parent(s) should be 'commenced immediately upon the social
workers being made aware of the mother's pregnancy';
266 </li>
267 <li>
267 The Assessment should be completed at least 4 weeks before the expected delivery date;
267 </li>
268 <li>
268 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;
268 </li>
269 <li>
269 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;
269 </li>
270 <li>
270 The Social Work Team should provide all relevant documentation (see
270 <a href="#documentation">
270 Section 4, Documentation
270 </a>
270 ) necessary to the local authority Legal Adviser to issue proceedings and application for
ICO:
271 <ul>
272 <li>
272 Not less than 7 days before the expected date of delivery;
272 </li>
273 <li>
273 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).
273 </li>
274 </ul>
275 </li>
276 <li>
276 Immediately on issue – or before - the local authority solicitor:
277 <ul>
278 <li>
278 Should serve the applications and supporting evidence on the parents and, if
instructed, their respective solicitors;
278 </li>
279 <li>
279 Should have sought an initial hearing date from the court, or the best estimate that
its solicitors could have provided.
279 </li>
280 </ul>
281 </li>
282 </ul>
283 </div>
284 <div class="section1">
284 </div>
290 <div class="section">
290 <h2 id="documentation">
290 4. Documentation
290 </h2>
291 <h3>
291 4.1 Local Authority Documentation
291 </h3>
292 <h4>
292 Documents to be Filed with the Court
292 </h4>
293 <p>
293 (
293 <span class="bold">
293 Note
293 </span>
293 that some courts may require electronic submissions. Your legal department will be able to
advise).
293 </p>
294 <p>
294 The following documents must be attached to the application filed with the court
294 <span class="bold">
294 on Day 1
294 </span>
294 :
294 </p>
295 <ul>
296 <li>
296 The social work chronology;
296 </li>
297 <li>
297 The social work statement and Genogram;
297 </li>
298 <li>
298 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;
298 </li>
299 <li>
299 The care plan;
299 </li>
300 <li>
300 Index of Checklist documents.
300 </li>
301 </ul>
302 <h4>
302 Documents to be Served on the Other Parties (but not filed with the court)
303 </h4>
304 <p>
304 <span class="bold">
304 On Day 2
304 </span>
304 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:
304 </p>
305 <ul>
306 <li>
306 Previous court orders (including foreign orders) and judgments/reasons;
306 </li>
307 <li>
307 Any assessment materials relevant to the key issues, including capacity to litigate,
Section 7 or Section 37 reports;
307 </li>
308 <li>
308 Single, joint or inter-agency reports, such as health, education, Home Office and
Immigration Tribunal documents.
308 </li>
309 </ul>
310 <h4>
310 Documents to be Disclosed on Request by any Party
310 </h4>
311 <ul>
312 <li>
312 Decision-making records, including:
313 <ul>
314 <li>
314 Records of key discussions with the family;
314 </li>
315 <li>
315 Key local authority minutes and records for the child;
315 </li>
316 <li>
316 Pre-existing Care Plans (e.g. child in need plan, looked after child plan and child
protection plan);
316 </li>
317 <li>
317 Letters before proceedings;
317 </li>
318 <li>
318 Any issued as to jurisdiction/international element should be flagged with the court.
318 </li>
319 </ul>
320 </li>
321 </ul>
322 <h4>
322 Principles
323 </h4>
324 <p>
324 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.
324 </p>
325 <p>
325 <span class="bold">
325 Documents must be recent
325 </span>
325 - 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.
325 </p>
326 <p>
326 <span class="bold">
326 Documents must be focused and succinct
326 </span>
326 .
326 </p>
327 <p>
327 The social work Chronology is a schedule containing:
327 </p>
328 <ul>
329 <li>
329 A succinct summary of the length of involvement of the local authority with the family and
in particular with the child;
329 </li>
330 <li>
330 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:
331 <ol style="list-style-type:lower-roman">
332 <li>
332 Serial number;
332 </li>
333 <li>
333 Date;
333 </li>
334 <li>
334 Event-detail;
334 </li>
335 <li>
335 Witness or document reference (where applicable);
335 </li>
336 <li>
336 The Chronology should be no more than 10 sheets and sides of A4 text unless
specifically directed by the court.
336 </li>
337 </ol>
338 </li>
339 <li>
339 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
339 <span class="italic">
339 limited
339 </span>
339 to the following evidence:
340 <ul>
341 <li>
341 Summary:
342 <ul>
343 <li>
343 The order sought;
343 </li>
344 <li>
344 <span class="italic">
344 Succinct
344 </span>
344 summary of reasons with reference as appropriate to the Welfare Checklist.
344 </li>
345 </ul>
346 </li>
347 <li>
347 Family:
348 <ul>
349 <li>
349 Family members and relationships especially the primary carers and significant
adults / other children;
349 </li>
350 <li>
350 Genogram.
350 </li>
351 </ul>
352 </li>
353 <li>
353 Threshold:
354 <ul>
355 <li>
355 Precipitating events;
355 </li>
356 <li>
356 Background circumstances:
357 <ul>
358 <li>
358 Summary of children's services involvement. This must be cross-referenced to
the Chronology;
358 </li>
359 <li>
359 Previous court orders and emergency steps;
359 </li>
360 <li>
360 Previous assessments.
360 </li>
361 </ul>
362 </li>
363 <li>
363 <span class="italic">
363 Summary
363 </span>
363 of Significant Harm and / or likelihood of significant harm which the local
authority will seek to establish by evidence or concession.
363 </li>
364 </ul>
365 </li>
366 <li>
366 Parenting capacity:
367 <ul>
368 <li>
368 <span class="italic">
368 Assessment
368 </span>
368 of child's needs;
368 </li>
369 <li>
369 <span class="italic">
369 Assessment
369 </span>
369 of parental capability to meet needs;
369 </li>
370 <li>
370 <span class="italic">
370 Analysis
370 </span>
370 of why there is a gap between parental capability and the child's needs;
370 </li>
371 <li>
371 Assessment of other significant adults who may be carers.
371 </li>
372 </ul>
373 </li>
374 <li>
374 Child impact:
375 <ul>
376 <li>
376 Wishes and feelings of the child(ren);
376 </li>
377 <li>
377 Timetable for the child;
377 </li>
378 <li>
378 Delay and timetable for the proceedings.
378 </li>
379 </ul>
380 </li>
381 <li>
381 Permanence and contact:
382 <ul>
383 <li>
383 Parallel planning;
383 </li>
384 <li>
384 Realistic placement options by reference to a welfare and proportionality
analysis;
384 </li>
385 <li>
385 Contact framework.
385 </li>
386 </ul>
387 </li>
388 <li>
388 Case management:
389 <ul>
390 <li>
390 Evidence and assessments necessary and outstanding;
390 </li>
391 <li>
391 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
391 <a
href="https://www.justice.gov.uk/courts/procedure-rules/family/practice_directions
/practice-direction-3aa-vulnerable-persons-participation-in-proceedings-and-giving
-evidence" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
391 Practice Direction 3AA - Vulnerable Persons: Participation in Proceedings and
Giving Evidence
391 </a>
391 );
391 </li>
392 <li>
392 Case management proposals.
392 </li>
393 </ul>
394 </li>
395 </ul>
396 </li>
397 </ul>
398 <p>
398 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'.
398 </p>
399 <h4>
399 Threshold Statement
400 </h4>
401 <p>
401 'Threshold Statement' means a written outline by the legal representative of the local
authority in the application form, 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.
401 </p>
402 <h4>
402 Local Authority Case Summary
403 </h4>
404 <p>
404 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.
404 </p>
405 <h4 id="Final">
405 Final Care Plan
405 </h4>
406 <p>
406 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.
406 </p>
407 <p>
407 It should set out:
407 </p>
408 <ul>
409 <li>
409 The information about the long term plan for the child, including timescales (the
Permanence Plan);
409 </li>
410 <li>
410 The arrangements to meet the child's needs in line with the child's developmental needs
domain of the Assessment Framework (see
410 <a href="p_assessment.html#principles">
410 Assessments Procedure, Principles for a Good Assessment
410 </a>
410 ):
411 <ul>
412 <li>
412 Arrangements for promoting the child's health, detailing GP and other arrangements,
particularly where there is a health condition that requires monitoring or treatment;
412 </li>
413 <li>
413 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);
413 </li>
414 <li>
414 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;
414 </li>
415 <li>
415 Details of any court orders sought, e.g. section 8; section 34; Placement Order, etc.
415 </li>
416 <li>
416 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;
416 </li>
417 <li>
417 Details of the Placement Plan and why the placement was chosen and the way in which it
will meet the child's needs;
417 </li>
418 <li>
418 The wishes and feelings of relevant people about the arrangements for the child;
418 </li>
419 <li>
419 The wishes and feelings of those people about any proposed changes to the Care Plan;
419 </li>
420 <li>
420 Details of the review of any arrangements made or required, including the name of the
IRO and who, or which, agencies will be involved;
420 </li>
421 <li>
421 Identification of a contingency plan in the event that the Care Plan is not achieved.
421 </li>
422 </ul>
423 </li>
424 </ul>
425 <p>
425 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.
425 </p>
426 <p>
426 The Care Plan should be no more than 10 sheets of A4 paper and sides, unless directed by the
court.
426 </p>
427 <h3>
427 4.2 Case Analysis
428 </h3>
429 <p>
429 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:
429 </p>
430 <ul>
431 <li>
431 A threshold analysis;
431 </li>
432 <li>
432 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;
432 </li>
433 <li>
433 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;
433 </li>
434 <li>
434 A child impact analysis, including:
435 <ul>
436 <li>
436 An assessment of the impact on the child concerned of any harm that they suffered or
was likely to suffer;
436 </li>
437 <li>
437 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;
438 </li>
439 <li>
439 Interim Contact needs of the child.
439 </li>
440 </ul>
441 </li>
442 <li>
442 A contingent, early permanence analysis (by reference to a welfare and proportionality
analysis) including:
443 <ul>
444 <li>
444 An analysis of the proposed placements, whether by family member/family friend;
adoption; or other long-term care;
444 </li>
445 <li>
445 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);
445 </li>
446 <li>
446 Contact framework;
446 </li>
447 <li>
447 Any additional support that the placement will require from partner agencies.
447 </li>
448 </ul>
449 </li>
450 <li>
450 Whether and if so what communication it is proposed there should be during the proceedings
with the child by the court.
450 </li>
451 </ul>
452 <h3>
452 4.3 Parents' Response
453 </h3>
454 <p>
454 A document from either or both of the parents containing:
454 </p>
455 <ul>
456 <li>
456 In no more than two pages, the parents' response to the Threshold Statement;
456 </li>
457 <li>
457 The parents' placement proposals including the identity and whereabouts of all relatives
and friends they propose be considered by the court;
458 </li>
459 <li>
459 Information which may be relevant to a person's capacity to litigate including information
about any referrals to mental health services and adult services.
459 </li>
460 </ul>
461 </div>
462 <div class="section1">
462 </div>
468 <div class="section">
468 <h2 id="flexible_powers">
468 5. Flexible Powers of the Court
468 </h2>
469 <p>
469 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.
469 </p>
470 <p>
470 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.
470 </p>
471 <p>
471 Where a party has requested an urgent hearing:
471 </p>
472 <ol style="list-style-type:lower-alpha">
473 <li>
473 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
473 </li>
474 <li>
474 To decide whether an ICO is necessary.
474 </li>
475 </ol>
476 <p>
476 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.
476 </p>
477 <p>
477 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
477 <a href="#stage_2">
477 Stage 2 – Case Management Hearing
477 </a>
477 . A FCMH should only be directed where necessary and must not be regarded as a routine step
in proceedings.
477 </p>
478 </div>
479 <div class="section1">
479 </div>
485 <div class="section">
485 <h2 id="case_management_hearing">
485 6. Case Management Hearing
485 </h2>
486 <p>
486 A greater emphasis is placed on the first hearing, Case Management Hearing. It is vital that
the first Case Management Hearing is effective in order to meet the 26-week deadline.
486 </p>
487 <p>
487 The first Case Management Hearing should take place not before Day 12 and not later
than Day 18.
487 </p>
488 <p>
488 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
488 <a href="#stage_2">
488 Stage 2 – Case Management Hearing
488 </a>
488 . A Further Case Management Hearing ('FCMH') should only be directed where necessary and
must not be regarded as a routine step in proceedings.
488 </p>
489 </div>
490 <div class="section1">
490 </div>
496 <div class="section">
496 <h2 id="the_timetable">
496 7. The Timetable for the Child and the Timetable for Proceedings
496 </h2>
497 <h3>
497 7.1 The Timetable for the Child
498 </h3>
499 <p>
499 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.
499 </p>
500 <p>
500 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.
500 </p>
501 <p>
501 Examples of the dates the court will take into account when setting the Timetable for the
Child are the dates of:
501 </p>
502 <ul>
503 <li>
503 Any looked after review;
503 </li>
504 <li>
504 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;
504 </li>
505 <li>
505 Any health care steps, including assessment by a paediatrician or other specialist;
505 </li>
506 <li>
506 Any review of local authority plans for the child, including any plans for permanence
through adoption, Special Guardianship or placement with parents or relatives;
506 </li>
507 <li>
507 Any change or proposed change of the child's placement;
507 </li>
508 <li>
508 Any significant change in the child's social or family circumstances; or
508 </li>
509 <li>
509 Any timetable for the determination of an issue in a case with an international element.
509 </li>
510 </ul>
511 <p>
511 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.
511 </p>
512 <p>
512 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.
512 </p>
513 <p>
513 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.
513 </p>
514 <p>
514 See also
514 <a href="https://www.judiciary.uk/publications/protocol-good-practice-model-2013/"
target="_blank" rel="noopener">
514 Protocol and Good Practice Model: Disclosure of Information in Cases of Alleged Child
Abuse and Linked Criminal and Care Direction Hearings (October 2013)
514 </a>
514 .
514 </p>
515 <h3>
515 7.2 The Timetable for the Proceedings
515 </h3>
516 <p>
516 The court will draw up a Timetable for the Proceedings with a view to disposing of the
application:
516 </p>
517 <ul>
518 <li>
518 Without delay; and
518 </li>
519 <li>
519 In any event, within 26 weeks beginning with the day on which the application was issued.
519 </li>
520 </ul>
521 <p>
521 The court will have regard to:
521 </p>
522 <ul>
523 <li>
523 The impact which the timetable or any revised timetable would have on the welfare of the
child; and
523 </li>
524 <li>
524 The impact which the timetable or any revised timetable would have on the duration and
conduct of the proceedings.
524 </li>
525 </ul>
526 <p>
526 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.
526 </p>
527 <p>
527 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.
527 </p>
528 <h3>
528 7.3 Extensions to the Timetable for Proceedings
528 </h3>
529 <p>
529 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.
529 </p>
530 <p>
530 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.
530 </p>
531 <p>
531 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.
531 </p>
532 <p>
532 An initial extension may be granted for up to 8 weeks (or less if directed). A further
extension of up to 8 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:
532 </p>
533 <ul>
534 <li>
534 State the reason(s) why it is necessary to have a further extension;
534 </li>
535 <li>
535 Fix the date of the next effective hearing (which might be a period shorter than a further
8 weeks); and
535 </li>
536 <li>
536 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.
536 </li>
537 </ul>
538 </div>
539 <div class="section1">
539 </div>
545 <div class="section">
545 <h2 id="use_of_experts">
545 8. Use of Experts
545 </h2>
546 <p>
546 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.
546 </p>
547 <p>
547 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.
547 </p>
548 <p>
548 The changes include:
548 </p>
549 <ul>
550 <li>
550 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;
550 </li>
551 <li>
551 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:
552 <ul>
553 <li>
553 Any impact which giving permission would be likely to have on the child(ren);
553 </li>
554 <li>
554 The impact on the timetable and conduct of the proceedings;
554 </li>
555 <li>
555 The cost;
555 </li>
556 <li>
556 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.
556 </li>
557 </ul>
558 </li>
559 <li>
559 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.
559 </li>
560 </ul>
561 <p>
561 Decisions about commissioning such evidence should be made early in the proceedings, usually
at the Case Management Hearing.
561 </p>
562 </div>
563 <div class="section1">
563 </div>
569 <div class="section">
569 <h2 id="practice">
569 9. Good Local Authority Practice During Proceedings
569 </h2>
570 <p>
570 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.
570 </p>
571 <p>
571 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.
571 </p>
572 <p>
572 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 handling before the next court
hearing.
572 </p>
573 <p>
573 Pending final decisions by the court, 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.
573 </p>
574 <p>
574 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.
574 </p>
575 <p>
575 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.
575 </p>
576 <p>
576 The social worker must keep the local authority solicitor and children's guardian up to date
with any changes in relation to the child during the proceedings, for example, placement,
contact, school/education, health. Arrangements
576 <span class="bold">
576 must not
576 </span>
576 be made for any change to the child's placement without prior consultation with the
Children's Guardian.
576 </p>
577 <p>
577 The Family Court, in the case of
577 <a href="http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWFC/OJ/2018/B74.html" target="_blank"
rel="noopener">
577 RE M and N (Children) (Local authority gathering, preserving and disclosing evidence)
577 </a>
577 made clear the need for good practice in relation to note-taking and record-keeping, and
disclosure of relevant evidence to all parties:
577 </p>
578 <ul>
579 <li>
579 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;
579 </li>
580 <li>
580 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;
580 </li>
581 <li>
581 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.
581 </li>
582 </ul>
583 </div>
584 <div class="section1">
584 </div>
590 <div class="section">
590 <h2 id="case_manag">
590 10. Case Management Checklist and Flowcharts
590 </h2>
591 <h3>
591 10.1
591 <a id="pre_proceed">
591 </a>
591 Pre-Proceedings
592 </h3>
593 
E620 The 'border' attribute is not allowed here:
The most common reasons for this error are the use of an old unsupported attribute, a new one which is not yet part of the specification being tested against, or the misuse of attributes for use with javascript. If the attribute is for use with AngularJS, then see the FAQ for more information. See the HTML Living Standard. <table border="1" title="pre-proceedings checklist">
594 <caption class="hide">
594 Caption: checklist
594 </caption>
595 <tr class="hide">
596 <th scope="col">
596
596 </th>
597 <th scope="col">
597
597 </th>
598 </tr>
600 <tr>
601 <td colspan="2" class="table_header">
601 PRE-PROCEEDINGS
601 </td>
602 </tr>
603 <tr>
604 <td colspan="2" class="table_header">
604 PRE-PROCEEDINGS CHECKLIST
604 </td>
605 </tr>
606 <tr>
607 <td class="table_row_even">
607 <p>
607 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:
607 </p>
608 <ul>
609 <li>
609 Social Work Chronology;
609 </li>
610 <li>
610 Social Work Statement and Genogram;
610 </li>
611 <li>
611 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;
611 </li>
612 <li>
612 Care Plan;
612 </li>
613 <li>
613 Index of Checklist Documents.
613 </li>
614 </ul>
614 </td>
615 <td>
615 <p>
615 Checklist documents (already existing on the LA's files) are:
615 </p>
616 <p>
616 (a) Evidential documents including:
616 </p>
617 <ul>
618 <li>
618 Previous court orders including foreign orders and judgments/reasons;
618 </li>
619 <li>
619 Any assessment materials relevant to the key issues including capacity to litigate,
Section 7 and 37 reports;
619 </li>
620 <li>
620 Single, joint or inter-agency materials (e.g. health & education/Home Office and
Immigration Tribunal documents).
620 </li>
621 </ul>
622 <p>
622 (b) Decision-making records including:
622 </p>
623 <ul>
624 <li>
624 Records of key discussions with the family;
624 </li>
625 <li>
625 Key LA minutes and records for the child;
625 </li>
626 <li>
626 Pre-existing care plans (e.g. child in need plan, looked after child plan and child
protection plan);
626 </li>
627 <li>
627 Letters Before Proceedings.
627 </li>
628 </ul>
629 <p>
629 Only Checklist documents in (a) are to be served with the application form.
629 </p>
630 <p>
630 Checklist Documents in (b) are to be disclosed on request by any party.
630 </p>
631 <p>
631 Checklist documents are not to be:
631 </p>
632 <ul>
633 <li>
633 Filed with the court unless the court directs otherwise; and
633 </li>
634 <li>
634 Older than 2 years before the date of issue of the proceedings unless reliance is
placed on the same in the LA's evidence.
634 </li>
635 </ul>
635 </td>
636 </tr>
637 </table>
638 <h3>
638 10.2
638 <a id="stage_1">
638 </a>
638 Stage 1 - Issue and Allocation
639 </h3>
640 E620 The 'border' attribute is not allowed here:
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641 <caption class="hide">
641 Caption: Stage 1
641 </caption>
642 <tr class="hide">
643 <th scope="col">
643
643 </th>
644 <th scope="col">
644
644 </th>
645 </tr>
647 <tr>
648 <td class="table_header">
648 STAGE 1 ISSUE AND ALLOCATION
648 </td>
649 </tr>
650 <tr>
651 <td class="table_header">
651 DAY 1 AND DAY 2
651 </td>
652 </tr>
653 <tr>
654 <td class="table_row_even">
654 <p>
654 On Day 1 (Day of issue):
654 </p>
655 <ul>
656 <li>
656 The LA files the Application Form and Annex Documents and sends copies to
Cafcass/CAFCASS CYMRU;
656 </li>
657 <li>
657 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;
657 </li>
658 <li>
658 Court officer issues application.
658 </li>
659 </ul>
660 <p>
660 Within a day of issue (Day 2):
660 </p>
661 <ul>
662 <li>
662 Court considers jurisdiction in a case with an international element;
662 </li>
663 <li>
663 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;
663 </li>
664 <li>
664 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;
664 </li>
665 <li>
665 Court gives standard directions on Issue and Allocation including:
666 <ul>
667 <li>
667 Checking compliance with Pre-Proceedings Checklist including service of any
missing Annex Documents;
667 </li>
668 <li>
668 Appointing Children's Guardian (to be allocated by Cafcass/CAFCASS CYMRU);
668 </li>
669 <li>
669 Appointing solicitor for the child only if necessary;
669 </li>
670 <li>
670 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;
670 </li>
671 <li>
671 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;
671 </li>
672 <li>
672 Filing and service of a LA Case Summary;
672 </li>
673 <li>
673 Filing and service of a Case Analysis by the Children's Guardian;
673 </li>
674 <li>
674 Filing and Serving the Parents' Response;
674 </li>
675 <li>
675 Sending a request for disclosure to, e.g. the police or health service body;
675 </li>
676 <li>
676 Filing and serving an application for permission relating to experts under Part
25 on a date prior to the advocates meeting for the CMH;
676 </li>
677 <li>
677 Directing the solicitor for the child to arrange an advocates' meeting no later
than 2 business days before the CMH;
677 </li>
678 <li>
678 Listing the CMH.
678 </li>
679 </ul>
680 </li>
681 <li>
681 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;
681 </li>
682 <li>
682 Court officer sends copy Notice of Hearing of the CMH and any urgent hearing by
email to Cafcass/ CAFCASS CYMRU.
682 </li>
683 </ul>
683 </td>
684 </tr>
685 </table>
686 <h3>
686 10.3
686 <a id="stage_2">
686 </a>
686 Stage 2 - Case Management Hearing
687 </h3>
688 E620 The 'border' attribute is not allowed here:
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689 <caption class="hide">
689 Caption: Stage 2
689 </caption>
690 <tr class="hide">
691 <th scope="col">
691
691 </th>
692 <th scope="col">
692
692 </th>
693 </tr>
695 <tr>
696 <td colspan="2" class="table_header">
696 STAGE 2 - CASE MANAGEMENT HEARING
696 </td>
697 </tr>
698 <tr class="table_header">
699 <td>
699 ADVOCATES' MEETING
699 <br />
700 (including any litigants in person)
700 </td>
701 <td>
701 CASE MANAGEMENT HEARING
701 </td>
702 </tr>
703 <tr>
704 <td class="table_row_even">
704 No later than 2 business days before CMH (or FCMH if it is necessary).
704 </td>
705 <td>
705 <p>
705 CMH: Not before day 12 and not later than day 18.
705 </p>
706 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.
706 </td>
707 </tr>
708 <tr>
709 <td class="table_row_even">
709 <ul>
710 <li>
710 Consider information on the Application Form and Annex documents, the LA Case
Summary, and the Case Analysis;
710 </li>
711 <li>
711 Identify the parties' positions to be recited in the draft Case Management Order;
711 </li>
712 <li>
712 Identify the parties' positions about jurisdiction, in particular arising out of any
international element;
712 </li>
713 <li>
713 If necessary, identify proposed experts and draft questions in accordance with Part
25 and the Experts Practice Directions;
713 </li>
714 <li>
714 Identify any disclosure that in the advocates' views is necessary;
714 </li>
715 <li>
715 Immediately notify the court of the need for a contested ICO hearing and any issue
about allocation;
715 </li>
716 <li>
716 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.
716 </li>
717 </ul>
717 </td>
718 <td>
718 <p>
718 Court gives detailed case management directions, including:
718 </p>
719 <ul>
720 <li>
720 Considering jurisdiction in a case with an international element;
720 </li>
721 <li>
721 Confirming allocation;
721 </li>
722 <li>
722 Drawing up the timetable for the child and the timetable for the proceedings and
considering if an extension is necessary;
722 </li>
723 <li>
723 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);
723 </li>
724 <li>
724 Giving directions for the determination of any disputed issue about litigation
capacity;
724 </li>
725 <li>
725 Identifying the key issues;
725 </li>
726 <li>
726 Identifying the evidence necessary to enable the court to resolve the key issues;
726 </li>
727 <li>
727 Deciding whether there is a real issue about threshold to be resolved;
727 </li>
728 <li>
728 Determining any application made under Part 25 and otherwise ensuring compliance
with Part 25 where it is necessary for expert(s) to be instructed;
728 </li>
729 <li>
729 Identifying any necessary disclosure and if appropriate giving directions;
729 </li>
730 <li>
730 Giving directions for any concurrent or proposed placement order proceedings;
730 </li>
731 <li>
731 Ensuring compliance with the court's directions (see:
731 <a
href="https://www.justice.gov.uk/courts/procedure-rules/family/practice_directions/p
d_part_27a" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
731 Practice Direction 27a - Family Proceedings: Court Bundles (Universal Practice to
be applied in the High Court and the Family Court)
731 </a>
731 );
731 </li>
732 <li>
732 If a FCMH is necessary, directing an advocates' meeting and Case Analysis if
required;
732 </li>
733 <li>
733 Directing filing of any threshold agreement, final evidence and Care Plan and
responses to those documents for the IRH;
733 </li>
734 <li>
734 Directing a Case Analysis for the IRH;
734 </li>
735 <li>
735 Directing an advocates' meeting for the IRH;
735 </li>
736 <li>
736 Listing (any FCMH) IRH, Final Hearing (including early Final Hearing) as
appropriate;
736 </li>
737 <li>
737 Giving directions for special measures and/or interpreters and intermediaries;
737 </li>
738 <li>
738 Issuing the Case Management Order.
738 </li>
739 </ul>
739 </td>
740 </tr>
741 </table>
742 <h3>
742 10.4
742 <a id="stage_3">
742 </a>
742 Stage 3 - Issues Resolution Hearing
743 </h3>
744 E620 The 'border' attribute is not allowed here:
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745 <caption class="hide">
745 Caption: Stage 3
745 </caption>
746 <tr class="hide">
747 <th scope="col">
747
747 </th>
748 <th scope="col">
748
748 </th>
749 </tr>
751 <tr>
752 <td colspan="2" class="table_header">
752 STAGE 3 - ISSUES RESOLUTION HEARING
752 </td>
753 </tr>
754 <tr class="table_header">
755 <td>
755 ADVOCATES' MEETING
755 <br />
756 (including any litigants in person)
756 </td>
757 <td>
757 ISSUES RESOLUTION HEARING (IRH)
757 </td>
758 </tr>
759 <tr>
760 <td class="table_row_even">
760 No later than 7 business days before the IRH.
760 </td>
761 <td>
761 As directed by the court, in accordance with the timetable for the proceedings.
761 </td>
762 </tr>
763 <tr>
764 <td class="table_row_even">
764 <ul>
765 <li>
765 Review evidence and the positions of the parties;
765 </li>
766 <li>
766 Identify the advocates' views of:
767 <ul>
768 <li>
768 The remaining key issues and how the issues may be resolved or narrowed at the
IRH including by the making of final orders;
768 </li>
769 <li>
769 The further evidence which is required to be heard to enable the key issues to
be resolved or narrowed at the IRH;
769 </li>
770 <li>
770 The evidence that is relevant and the witnesses that are required at the final
hearing;
770 </li>
771 <li>
771 The need for a contested hearing and/or time for oral evidence to be given at
the IRH.
771 </li>
772 </ul>
773 </li>
774 <li>
774 LA advocate to:
774 </li>
775 <li>
775 Notify the court immediately of the outcome of the discussion at the meeting;
775 </li>
776 <li>
776 File a draft Case Management Order with the court by 11a.m. on the business working
day before the IRH.
776 </li>
777 </ul>
777 </td>
778 <td>
778 <ul>
779 <li>
779 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;
779 </li>
780 <li>
780 Court considers whether the IRH can be used as a final hearing;
780 </li>
781 <li>
781 Court resolves or narrows the issues by hearing evidence;
781 </li>
782 <li>
782 Court identifies the evidence to be heard on the issues which remain to be resolved
at the final hearing;
782 </li>
783 <li>
783 Court gives final case management directions including:
784 <ul>
785 <li>
785 Any extension of the timetable for the proceedings which is necessary;
785 </li>
786 <li>
786 Filing of the threshold agreement or a statement of facts/issues remaining to be
determined;
786 </li>
787 <li>
787 Filing of:
788 <ul>
789 <li>
789 Final evidence & Care Plan;
789 </li>
790 <li>
790 Case Analysis for Final Hearing (if required);
790 </li>
791 <li>
791 Witness templates;
791 </li>
792 <li>
792 Skeleton arguments.
792 </li>
793 </ul>
794 </li>
795 <li>
795 Judicial reading list/reading time, including time estimate and an estimate for
judgment writing time;
795 </li>
796 <li>
796 Ensuring Compliance with PD27A (the Bundles Practice Direction);
796 </li>
797 <li>
797 Listing the Final Hearing.
797 </li>
798 </ul>
799 </li>
800 <li>
800 Court issues Case Management Order.
800 </li>
801 </ul>
801 </td>
802 </tr>
803 </table>
804 <h3>
804 10.5 Public Law Outline 2014 (26 weeks) Flowchart
805 </h3>
806 <p>
806 <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">
806 Click here to view the Public Law Outline 2014 (26 weeks) Flowchart
806 </a>
806 .
806 </p>
807 </div>
808 <div class="section1">
808 </div>
814 <div class="section">
814 <h2 id="parallel_crim_invest">
814 11. Parallel Criminal Investigations
814 </h2>
815 <p>
815 The
815 <a href="https://www.judiciary.uk/publications/protocol-good-practice-model-2013/"
target="_blank" rel="noopener">
815 Protocol and Good Practice Model: Disclosure of Information in Cases of Alleged Child
Abuse and Linked Criminal and Care Direction Hearings (October 2013)
815 </a>
815 provides guidance and good practice in relation to the disclosure of evidence between local
authorities, the police and the Crown Prosecution Service ('CPS'):
815 </p>
816 <ul>
817 <li>
817 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;
817 </li>
818 <li>
818 The local authority
818 <span class="bold">
818 can
818 </span>
818 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;
818 </li>
819 <li>
819 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);
819 </li>
820 <li>
820 The text or summary of a judgment given in the family court proceedings can be included in
the files to be examined by the police;
820 </li>
821 <li>
821 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.
821 </li>
822 </ul>
823 </div>
824 <div class="section1">
824 </div>
830 <div class="section">
830 <h2 id="app">
830 Appendices
830 </h2>
831 <p>
831 <a href="files/letter_before_proc_template.docx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
831 Appendix 1: Letter Before Proceedings
831 </a>
831 .
831 </p>
832 <p>
832 <a href="files/letter_of_issue_template.docx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
832 Appendix 2: Letter of Issue
832 </a>
832 .
832 </p>
833 </div>
834 <div class="section1">
834 </div>
840 <div class="section1">
840 </div>
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888 <p id="bg_text_msg">
888 Only valid for 48hrs
888 </p>
889 </div>
894 <script type="text/javascript">
902 </script>
905 </body>
906 </html>