Category: Expert Witnesses

ENGLAND – Fears for independent social workers as 80% consider leaving the profession

Research by Community Care finds two ‘disastrous’ events have potentially sidelined hundreds of the most experienced social workers at a time when children’s services are ‘in crisis’   ISWs say they’re working in conditions that are ‘dangerous’ to children   The controversial fee cap for expert witnesses has forced 80% of independent social workers to find alternative sources of …

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Permanent link to this article: https://operationfatherhood.org/family-law-public/social-worker/england-fears-for-independent-social-workers-as-80-consider-leaving-the-profession/

WALES/ENGLAND – Family expert attacks judiciary on reforms

Social workers and CAFCASS can’t replace experts in courts, says head of professional group A leading family expert has attacked Lord Justice Ryder’s reforms to witness evidence in the family courts, which would see a greater role for social workers and CAFCASS officers.  “Now I have nothing against the role of social workers, I wish …

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Permanent link to this article: https://operationfatherhood.org/cafcass-england/walesengland-family-expert-attacks-judiciary-on-reforms/

WALES/ENGLAND – Family President clarifies when use of expert is ‘necessary’ in proceedings

The President of the Family Division has clarified when the use of an expert witness is ‘necessary’ under guidance he gave earlier this year. In the case of Re H-L (A child), Sir James Munby, also made further remarks on case management, disclosure and the time that cases should take.  The President highlighted in January …

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Permanent link to this article: https://operationfatherhood.org/family-law-private/expert-witnesses/walesengland-family-president-clarifies-when-use-of-expert-is-necessary-in-proceedings/

WALES/ENGLAND – General Medical Council guidance: Acting as a witness in legal proceedings

The General Medical Council has published guidance for doctors who act as professional witnesses or expert witnesses. The guidance explains how doctors can put into pracrice the principles contained in Good Medical Practice. The full guidance is available to download below. Downloads Acting as an expert witness Download       SOURCE: Family Law

Permanent link to this article: https://operationfatherhood.org/family-law-private/practice-guidance/walesengland-general-medical-council-guidance-acting-as-a-witness-in-legal-proceedings/

WALES/ENGLAND – Use of expert witnesses in family courts is on the slide, finds Cafcass

The use of expert witnesses in care proceedings cases, particularly independent social workers, has fallen radically over the last three years.   Research suggests expert witnesses are being used less in family court cases According to a study by the Children And Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), the proportion of care proceedings cases in …

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Permanent link to this article: https://operationfatherhood.org/cafcass-england/walesengland-use-of-expert-witnesses-in-family-courts-is-on-the-slide-finds-cafcass/

WALES/ENGLAND – Quality of family experts must improve, says MoJ

Consultation on new quality standards announced New national standards to raise the quality of family expert witnesses were announced by the government today. According to the new standards, evidence can only be given by witnesses deemed by the court to be qualified professionals. Expert witnesses have wasted court time and caused major delays in child …

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Permanent link to this article: https://operationfatherhood.org/legal-aid/walesengland-quality-of-family-experts-must-improve-says-moj/