Child Care and the Courts

Planning for children occurs within a social work setting: putting plans into operation often requires legal action. Social workers need to understand the legal system and how to use it in order to help children and their families. This requires knowledge about the preparation of cases, decision making, choosing appropriate courts, giving evidence, writing court reports, court procedures and communicating effectively with solicitors and court personnel. This book aims to help social workers feel positive and confident about acting within the legal system through developing essential knowledge and skills. It is written by two social workers and a solicitor, all of whom have had experience of child care cases.