DOCSLIB.ORG

Scotland) Act 1995

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Scotland) Act 1995 Scottish Women’s Rights Centre Response to the Scottish Government’s call for consultations on reforming Part 1 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 27/09/2018 About the Scottish Women’s Rights Centre The Scottish Women’s Rights Centre exists because of abuses of power and because a gap persists between women’s experience of violence and abuse and their access to justice. The Scottish Women’s Rights Centre is a unique collaborative project that provides free legal information, advice and representation to women affected by violence and abuse. The Centre strives to fill the gaps that exist between women’s experiences of gender-based violence and their ability to access justice by working with a specialist solicitor and an experienced advocacy worker. Informed by our direct work with victim-survivors of violence and abuse, we seek to influence national policy, research and training to improve processes and systems, and ultimately to improve the outcomes for women who have experienced gender-based violence. We welcome the opportunity to respond to this consultation. However, we wish to emphasise our view that a wholescale review of the system for adjudicating family law matters in Scotland is necessary. Legislative change should only be undertaken where necessary and for good reason, and legislative change alone is not enough. The focus on reform of the system must be to place the child at the centre. Question 1): Should the presumption that a child aged 12 or over is of sufficient age and maturity to form a view be removed from sections 11(10) and 6(1) of the 1995 Act and section 27 of the Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011? a) Yes – remove the presumption and do not replace it with a different presumption. b) Yes –remove the presumption and replace with a new presumption based on a different age. c) No – leave the presumption in. Why did you select your answer above? (Neither yes or no) Presumption This is a complex issue which does not allow for a straightforward answer. It is crucial that children who are capable of forming their own views are able to express them in proceedings relating to them, and that their views are given due weight in accordance with their age and maturity. This should be assessed on a case by case basis in an appropriate manner. We understand there are concerns that this presumption is often interpreted in civil court proceedings to mean that children under 12 do not have sufficient age and maturity to freely form a view. As a result, many children who are capable of expressing their views are potentially being denied their opportunity to realise this right in Scotland. Certainly from what we hear the approach to taking children’s views is not consistent throughout Scotland. If this presumption is indeed acting in a manner which is restricting or preventing views of children being taken, it would not be consistent with Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. This may be something that can be rectified by guidance and training to provide clarity that the meaning of the presumption is that children aged 12 and over are presumed to be able to give their views, and for that to be prevented the presumption requires to be rebutted, and does not mean that children under 12 are presumed not to be capable of giving their views. Alternatively, the presumption could be amended to a younger age (although that should still not result in a rule that is rigidly applied). It is outwith our expertise to comment on what an appropriate age would be. Alternatively, if removal of the presumption is deemed more appropriate, it must not result in a more restrictive position than the current one. The government must take steps to ensure that the position for children in Scotland is compliant with Article 12 and in keeping with the General Comment on Article 12.1 Article 12 applies to every child without discrimination. Rather than starting with the assumption that a child is incapable of expressing her or his own views, the state should assume that a child has the capacity to form her or his own views and recognise that she or her has the right to express them2. Accordingly, the presumption must not be applied in a manner which results in children under the age of 12 being considered to lack the capacity to give views. No matter what the decision regarding the presumption, guidance and training are essential to ensure consideration is given to whether any child is capable of giving views in any judicial or administrative process in relation to the child, with relevant factors being taken into consideration. The General Comment prescribes that the onus does not fall on children to prove their capacity, rather with the State to assess the capacity of the child 3. However, those assessing the capacity of children to form and give their views require to have appropriate knowledge and understanding to enable them to do so properly. We would suggest that a test of practicability is not appropriate in relation to seeking a child’s views, as this may allow for factors to be taken into consideration beyond the age, maturity and capacity of the child. Further work is needed to ensure that our systems are enabling children under 12 to realise their rights to participate in judicial processes. The General Comment on Article 12 recommends training on Article 12 for all professionals working with and for children4 including lawyers, judges, police, social workers, community workers, psychologists, caregivers, teachers, medical professionals, civil servants and public officials. Information must be provided to children on their right to participate along with where to seek support to enact this right. Expressing views is a choice for the child, not an obligation. Further, the child should be supplied with sufficient information and support to enable them to give their views in a meaningful way. This will be discussed further in our answer to Question 2 below. 1 http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/crc/docs/AdvanceVersions/CRC-C-GC-12.pdf 3 Para 20, General Comment Article 12 4 Para 49, General Comment Article 12 Children experiencing/at risk of abuse Further consideration must be given to children who have experienced abuse, including domestic and sexual abuse. The impact of fear and trauma can create additional barriers to children who may consider it unsafe to express their views. Instead of a reason why they can’t express their views this should be treated as a qualification for additional and specialist support. “My son did not have sufficient speech because of his autism to be formally interviewed, but told us at home how he felt- again the court, curator & social work ignored his opinion” Since “the greater the impact of the outcome on the life of the child, the more relevant the appropriate assessment of the maturity of that child5” the potential negative consequences of denying children who have been victims of violence or abuse the right to express their views cannot be understated. Children experiencing or at risk of abuse must be given sufficient support to safely make their views known to the court, including any allegations of abuse or concerns and fear about the impact of ongoing contact. When children express fear this should be taken very seriously as this can be an important indicator of risk to the child. Safety of children is one of the reasons they should be better supported to make their views known. The children involved in Power Up Power Down highlighted the importance of taking seriously the fear of children, and they questioned why adults involved in the court system did not think the children’s fear was a significant factor in decision making. “Please listen to the children they have the right not to live in fear anymore by courts automatically putting contact orders in place which leaves them exposed to abusive parents” Due weight and consideration In addition to further provision for children to make their views known, significant assessment is needed in relation to the due weight currently given to these views. Article 12 stipulates that simply listening to the child is insufficient, the views of the child have to be seriously considered6. Additionally, further legislative measures may be required for decision makers to explain the extent of the consideration given to the views of the child and the consequences “They were all terrified of him and did not want to see him. My daughters told this to the sheriff in her chambers, but she dismissed their views. They told social work & the curator also, but they did not listen. My daughters' Guidance teacher (at secondary school) was the only professional who listened.” 5 Para 30, General Comment Article 12 6 Para 28, General Comment Article 12 for the child7. This could lead to greater clarity and consistency in courts’ approach to taking views of children. Children and young people’s Article 12 rights are closely linked to their right to freedom of expression (Article 13) and right to access to information (Article 17) which are crucial prerequisites for the effective exercise of the right to be heard. Given than many cases involve more than one child, it is important that siblings are given the opportunity to provide their views separately and be individually supported to do so. Due weight should be given to each sibling’s views. Question 2): How can we best ensure children’s views are heard in court cases? e) Another way – A range of options should be provided including Child Support Workers, speaking directly to the judge or sheriff (if desired) and other options to provide written or recorded views.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Review Group's Report on Family Justice
    Review of Civil and Family Justice in Northern Ireland Review Group’s Report on Family Justice 171275 Judicial Studies Board_FNL (spne_11.5mm)cvr sprd_(A)__1.indd 1-3 11/08/2017 11:12 171275 Judicial Studies Board_FNL (spne_11.5mm)cvr sprd_(A)__1.indd 4-6 11/08/2017 11:12 Review of Civil and Family Justice in Northern Ireland Review Group’s Report on Family Justice September 2017 This is a Report by the Review Group, unless otherwise indicated. This is the approach that was agreed with the Group. We recommend that the Report, and the preliminary Report, be read in electronic rather than paper form. This will facilitate using the links. First published in 2017 by the Office of the Lord Chief Justice © Office of the Lord Chief Justice, 2017 Printed in Northern Ireland by CDS Print and Creative ii Contents (Click on heading to go to that page) Preface v Key recommendations ix 1 Introduction 1 2 Current context 11 3 Current system 16 4 International context 18 5 Single-tier system 23 6 Private law proceedings 29 7 Resolutions outside court 47 8 Divorce proceedings in Northern Ireland 60 9 Ancillary relief 68 10 Public law system 80 11 Secure accommodation orders 99 12 Problem-solving courts 107 13 Child abduction 115 14 Paperless courts 127 15 Disclosure 140 16 Voice of the child and vulnerable adults 143 17 Court setting 158 18 Open justice 162 19 Personal litigants 180 20 Family Justice Board 194 21 Conclusion 202 Appendix 1 Terms of reference 205 Appendix 2 Family statistics (October 2015) 209 iii Appendix 3 Family Bar Association civil justice review research 210 Appendix 4 New Zealand Care of Children Act 2004, s.
    [Show full text]
  • NE Hants Domestic Abuse Service Directory
    Updated February 2020 © North East Hampshire Domestic Abuse Forum Service Directory 2 CONTENTS OF DIRECTORY Page 3 Definition of domestic abuse 5 Safety Planning 6 Commissioned Domestic Abuse Support for those living in Hampshire 8 Local support services for domestic abuse victims 35 Out of area or national services 42 Support for male victims of domestic abuse 44 Support for ethnic minority groups 49 Support for those in LGBT relationships 52 Information for helping deaf or hard of hearing victims 53 Help available for perpetrators 55 Help for those with drug and / or alcohol dependency 58 Support for children and young people affected by domestic abuse 63 Information for those being harassed by e-mail, social network sites or phones Key Domestic Abuse Support Services Contacts Hampshire: Hampshire DA – 0330 0165112 Southampton: PIPPA – 02380 917917 Portsmouth: Stop Domestic Abuse – 02392 065494 Isle of Wight: You Trust – 0800 234 6266 Surrey: Your Sanctuary – 01483 776822 Berkshire: BWA – 0118 9504003 National Helpline Numbers 24 hour National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 Male Advice Line: 0808 801 0327 National LGBT Domestic Abuse Helpline 0800 999 5428 RESPECT National Helpline for domestic abuse perpetrators 0808 802 4040 © North East Hampshire Domestic Abuse Forum Service Directory 3 DOMESTIC ABUSE DEFINITION The Government definition of domestic violence and abuse is: 'Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. This can encompass, but is not limited to, the following types of abuse: Psychological Physical Sexual Financial Emotional 'Controlling behaviour is: a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour.
    [Show full text]
  • Forbes, Emma Elizabeth (2019) Perception and Reality: an Exploration of Domestic Abuse Victims' Experiences of the Criminal Justice Process in Scotland
    Forbes, Emma Elizabeth (2019) Perception and reality: an exploration of domestic abuse victims' experiences of the criminal justice process in Scotland. PhD thesis. https://theses.gla.ac.uk/73000/ Copyright and moral rights for this work are retained by the author A copy can be downloaded for personal non-commercial research or study, without prior permission or charge This work cannot be reproduced or quoted extensively from without first obtaining permission in writing from the author The content must not be changed in any way or sold commercially in any format or medium without the formal permission of the author When referring to this work, full bibliographic details including the author, title, awarding institution and date of the thesis must be given Enlighten: Theses https://theses.gla.ac.uk/ [email protected] Perception and Reality: An Exploration of Domestic Abuse Victims’ Experiences of the Criminal Justice Process in Scotland Emma Elizabeth Forbes L.L.B (Hons), Dip. L.P., MSc (distinction) Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the University of Glasgow for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Criminology) School of Social and Political Sciences September 2018 ABSTRACT This thesis is a feminist critique of Scotland’s investigation and prosecution of domestic abuse through the lens of tackling domestic abuse as a gendered offence. It tells two stories: Scotland’s policy and legislative response to this issue and the experience of female victims who report domestic abuse to the police. The apparent sweep of progress on the public stage is juxtaposed with the private struggle of individuals who continue to face barriers to justice.
    [Show full text]
  • The Position of the Non-Resident Parent
    F AMILY POLICY BRIEFING 3 Child contact with non-resident parents C ONTENTS How much contact is taking place January 2004 at the moment? University Introduction Contact and child support The legal framework in The position of the non-resident of Oxford England and Wales parent This paper was Department of Shared parenting The policy context written by Social Policy and Contact and domestic violence Social Work Is contact good for Joan Hunt with children? Involving the child Ceridwen Roberts Introduction UK social policy encourages the maintenance of contact as a presumed Child contact after parental separation or social good which promotes the divorce has become a highly contentious interests of children and the wider issue. Many separating families, despite society. There is substantial the difficulties, sort out contact dissatisfaction in some quarters, arrangements themselves. For some it however, with the operation of these becomes problematic, either because policies and views are polarised. Some regular reliable contact is not established resident parents argue that their because there is a high degree of conflict, concerns about the non-resident parent, or because there are serious concerns particularly about domestic violence, about the child’s safety and well-being. child abuse and abduction, are not Statistics • In 2001 146,914 children in England and Wales experienced parental divorce, 68% of them aged 10 or less and 24% under 5. Current estimates suggest 28% will be affected by divorce before the age of 16. Additionally, although precise numbers are not known, an increasing proportion of children will be affected by the separation of cohabiting parents.
    [Show full text]
  • Evaluation Report
    Evaluation Report November 2008 Department of Social and Family Affairs An Roinn Gnóthaí Sóisialacha agus Teaghlaigh COMMISSIONING AGENCIES This Research has been commissioned by a number of agencies involved in the management of Time4Us. These agencies are: Health Service Executive (HSE) Galway City and County Childcare Committee The One Foundation Department of Social and Family Affairs Mr. Frank Fahey, T.D. Representatives from the Business Sector in Galway RESEARCHERS AND AUTHORS OF REPORT This research has been conducted and the report authored by Liam Coen and Dr. Noreen Kearns of the Child and Family Research Centre, School of Political Science and Sociology, NUI Galway. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Thanks to all those who were so giving of their time and support to the research team in doing this evaluation. In particular, a big thank you to the users of Time4Us – non- resident parents and children – who were so giving of their time and who allowed the evaluation team into their access visits. Many thanks also must go to the resident parents who were so willing to engage with the research team. Thanks to the individuals and organisations that allowed us to interview them and responded with great frankness and honesty. Thanks also are due to the members of Time4Us management for their support, time and willingness to clarify particular points or issues the evaluation team had. Particular thanks must go to Fionnuala Foley for liaising with the management in this regard. Thanks to the project staff – Deirdre, Majella, Thelma and Tara – who played an important role in facilitating the evaluation team’s requests and who were so supportive of the entire process from the outset.
    [Show full text]
  • Managing the Commitment to Protect Children from Maltreatment: the Case of Child Contact Centres in England
    Managing the commitment to protect children from maltreatment: the case of child contact centres in England. Louise Caffrey The London School of Economics and Political Science A thesis submitted to the Department of Social Policy at the London School of Economics for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. February, 2014 Declaration of Authorship I certify that the thesis I have presented for examination for the MPhil/PhD degree of the London School of Economics and Political Science is solely my own work other than where I have clearly indicated that it is the work of others (in which case the extent of any work carried out jointly by me and any other person is clearly identified in it). The copyright of this thesis rests with the author. Quotation from it is permitted, provided that full acknowledgement is made. This thesis may not be reproduced without my prior written consent. I warrant that this authorisation does not, to the best of my belief, infringe the rights of any third party. I declare that my thesis consists of 95,290 words. I can confirm that parts of my thesis were copy edited for conventions of language, spelling and grammar by Daireen Caffrey, Trisha Keilthy, Paul Bouanchaud, Louisa Earls, Else Knudsen, Trish Hiddleston and Jerrieann Sullivan. ________________________ Louise Caffrey 1 Abstract BACKGROUND: According to the guidance to the Children Act (1989 and 2004), ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’ (2010; 2013), all organisations that work with children have a responsibility to protect children from maltreatment. However, previous research on child contact centres raises questions about how well this service is meeting the responsibility.
    [Show full text]
  • 162 Annex H: Partial Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment
    Annex H: Partial Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment CRWIA front sheet Policy/measure The commitment in the Programme for Government 2017/18 to consult upon on a review of part 1 of the A general Children (Scotland) Act 1995. description of the To create a Family Justice Modernisation Strategy. policy/measure Project initiation document Add link to the document Initiating Family and Property Law department The responsible team or division. If this is a cross- cutting policy, name the team that has overall responsibility Policy aims This is a partial CRWIA and is focussing on the main themes and desired outcomes of the review of the What the policy Children (Scotland) Act 1995 (the 1995 Act) and Family or measure is Justice Modernisation Strategy. A further more detailed trying to achieve; CRWIA will be completed to accompany any Family Law what are the Bill. expected The main aims of any Bill would be to: outcomes Further compliance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child; Ensure that the child’s best interests are at the centre of any contact or residence case or Children’s Hearing; Ensure that the voice of the child is heard in cases; and Ensure that cases and hearings are dealt with in an effective and efficient way. To meet these aims we are seeking your views on the following main topics: How the court considers the views of the child and representation of the child; 162 Who a child should have contact with and how contact should happen; Who is a parent; Who has Parental Responsibilities and Rights; How international parental child abduction can be prevented; How children and victims of domestic abuse can be protected; How court procedure can be improved in proceedings affecting children and young people; What alternatives there are to court; Amendments to birth registration; and Procedural changes to the Children’s Hearings System.
    [Show full text]
  • It Won't Stop Until You Protect the Victims
    It won’t stop until you protect the victims Complex divorces and suspicions/allegations of domestic violence Working group of complex divorces - multidisciplinary collaboration (CSMS) 2019 2019 CSMS, It won’t stop until you protect the victims. Complex divorces and suspicions/allegations of domestic violence. This book is a translated and slightly adapted version of the Dutch original: “Het houdt niet op, todat je de slachtoffers beschermt. Complexe scheidingen en vermoedens/beschuldigingen van huiselijk geweld.” The greatest possible care has been taken to make the book available and understandable for international readers. The CSMS takes no responsibility for the accuracy of the translation. This book can be distributed in digital form or hard-copy. No changes to the content are allowed, nor additions or omissions to the text or figures. The user may not use the work for commercial purposes. If you want to refer to this book, always mention the correct reference: "Working group of complex divorces - multidisciplinary cooperation (2019). It won’t stop until you protect the victims. Complex divorces and suspicions/allegations of domestic violence." Only refer to this book if you have read the entire book yourself. 2 Preface This book is about the absence of help for children and parents who are victims of domestic violence, after a divorce. There are erroneous thoughts about these victims and the situation in which they find themselves. As a result, they are completely abandoned. This is at odds with the aim that people have in the Netherlands to combat domestic violence and, in particular, child abuse. Imagine that you are treating a child who has been sexually abused by a parent and that this child is told that she needs to have contact with this parent who is also the perpetrator.
    [Show full text]
  • CCF-ISRAEL REPORT of the ISRAELI CIVIL SOCIETY for Family Rights by the Coalition for the Children and Family
    CCF-ISRAEL REPORT OF THE ISRAELI CIVIL SOCIETY For family rights by the coalition for the children and family WWW.CCFISRAEL.ORG To the 64th Session of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, (To Be Held on March 11-March 15th, 2019) Regarding Implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights – ICESCR in Israel Pursuant to Israel’s Fourth Periodic Report 1. CCF Israel filed a report with ICESCR in 2011 concentrating on the discrimination against men in official statutes and at Courts, egregious powers of social workers which interfere with the right to family life, and violations of the right to fair trials in the cases involving family life, liberties and other social and economic rights. The deprivation of family rights of the men also affects their second wives and children of the second marriage who are discriminated against. It affects the paternal grandmothers of the men, who lose complete contact with their grandchildren. It also affects rights to adequate standard of living, to health and employment. 2. In 2011 The Committee made 3 recommendations to the State of Israel: address the automatic award of custody to women in divorce, just because of their gender; address the exemption of women from participation in child support and the enormous levels of child support imposed on men, and address the high levels of suicide among men in the process of divorce. We explained in 2011 that The “status” of a “man in divorce proceedings” in Israel is subjected to institutionalized torture and denial of civil rights.
    [Show full text]
  • An Evaluation of the Child Contact Service at the Togher Family Centre; the Voices of the Parents and Experience of Social Workers
    [Year] An Evaluation of the Child Contact Service at the Togher Family Centre; The Voices of the Parents and Experience of Social Workers. 105769086 (SS6206) CARL Research Project Name of student(s): 105769086 Name of civil society organiza- tion/community group: Togher Family Centre Supervisor(s): Mary Hurley Name and year of course: Masters in Social Work (2nd year) Date completed: April 28th 2014 What is Community-Academic Research Links? Community Academic Research Links (CARL) is a service provided by research insti- tutes for the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in their region which can be grass roots groups, single issue temporary groups, but also well structured organisations. Research for the CSOs is carried out free of financial cost as much as possible. CARL seeks to: • provide civil society with knowledge and skills through research and educa- tion; • provide their services on an affordable basis; • promote and support public access to and influence on science and technolo- gy; • create equitable and supportive partnerships with civil society organisations; • enhance understanding among policymakers and education and research in- stitutions of the research and education needs of civil society, and • Enhance the transferrable skills and knowledge of students, community rep- resentatives and researchers (www.livingknowledge.org). What is a CSO? We define CSOs as groups who are non-governmental, non-profit, not representing commercial interests, and/or pursuing a common purpose in the public interest. These groups include: trade unions, NGOs, professional associations, charities, grass-roots organisations, organisations that involve citizens in local and municipal life, churches and religious committees, and so on. Why is this report on the web? The research agreement between the CSO, student and CARL/University states that the results of the study must be made public.
    [Show full text]
  • Children Still Matter Children Still Matter
    THE IN-HOUSE 2005 MAGAZINE OF • THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHILD CONTACT CENTRES Autumn ISSUE MATTERS CHILDRENCHILDREN LAUNCH OF NORTHERN STILLSTILL MATTERMATTER IRELAND NETWORK Page 4 NACCCNACCC 20052005 AGMAGM andand ConferenceConference PagePage 88 –– 1111 VIEW FROM THE FIELD Page 6 CHILDREN STILL FIRST Page 14 NACCC CHRISTMAS CARDS Page 15 NACCC Chief Executive Supervised Child Contact Centres Following the resignation of NACCC's Chief Executive, Beverley J Brooks MBE, NACCC is in the Conference process of recruiting a new Chief Executive, with NACCC, in conjunction with the Child Contact Centre interviews being held in October. Implementation Group, is holding a conference to firstly share, develop and evaluate good practice and secondly to ensure that Supervised Contact is being NACCC Chair organised and run both consistently and safely. To be held at: The Trinity Centre, Church Hill, Sutton With regret, Pauline Bond has stepped down from Coldfield, Birmingham on Tuesday 8 November 2005 the position of Chair, due to personal – 10 am to 4.30 pm. This conference is being circumstances. At the September Board meeting sponsored by the DfES. Full NACCC members will not Fiona McGill was appointed Chair of NACCC, and be charged to attend. Buffet lunch will be provided. Pauline will continue as Vice-Chair for the coming year. There will be a speaker at the beginning of the day and time for questions at the end, but the bulk of the time will be made up of a series of workshops Divorce rate focussing upon: • Premises increases again • Funding • Staffing/training The number of couples getting divorced increased • Referral forms last year to the highest level since 1996 and the • Risk Assessments fourth successive annual increase.
    [Show full text]
  • 1: Introduction
    GETTING IT RIGHT FOR CHILDREN WHEN PARENTS ARE SEPARATING CONFERENCE REPORT and CONSULTATION DOCUMENT Written by Margaret Fawcett for Conference Co-ordinating Agencies Parents Advice Centre Children in Northern Ireland Association of Directors of Social Services Association of Collaborative Family Lawyers Northern Ireland Legal Services Commission June 2006 LSC Conference Report – Draft 9 – 10 July 2006 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page FOREWORD – Sir Anthony Holland 1. SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background 1.2 Aim of Conference Report 2. SECTION 2 – SERVICES REVIEWED 2.1 A Government Perspective Nigel Hamilton 2.2 Research Perspectives Professor Carol Smart Dr Rosemary Kilpatrick 2.4 Child Psychiatry Dr Hamish Cameron Dr Fionnuala Leddy 2.6 Family Support Perspective Pip Jaffa 2.7 Office of NI Commissioner for Children & Young People Linda Kerr 2.8 Dispute Resolution Judith Brown & John Reavey Perspectives Muriel Orr Sheena Bell 2.9 A Social Services Perspective Hugh Connor 3. SECTION 3 – GETTING IT RIGHT … 3.1 Guiding Principles 3.2 A Framework for Action 3.3 Conclusion Appendix 1 Service Profiles Appendix 2 Northern Ireland Family Support Model Appendix 3 List of Conference Delegates References 2 LSC Conference Report – Draft 9 – 10 July 2006 FOREWORD Sir Anthony Holland Chair of Northern Ireland Legal Services Commission Getting it right for children affected by parental separation and divorce cuts across most if not all publicly funded services to children and families including social and legal services, health and education. The Northern Ireland Legal Services Commission (“the Commission”) was established under the Access to Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 (“the AJO”). Its objective is to make the justice system of NI fair, access and affordable to all and to promote social inclusion.
    [Show full text]