News Essentials: 28th October 2019

A brief summary of the essential family law news and cases from the last week:

NEWS
District judge ‘sarcastic and shaking with rage’ in flawed family hearing
The Family Court has overturned a district judge’s care ruling after finding she ‘crossed the line’ during the hearing, creating a hostile atmosphere and alienating everyone appearing before her. Full story: Law Society Gazette. See C (A Child) (Judicial Conduct), below.

Children in care warning from justice commission in Wales
Children's interests are being neglected in court cases that decide who looks after them, a major report has warned. Full story: BBC News.

Assessing risk of harm to children and parents in private law children cases
Progress update on the public call for evidence on how the family courts protect children and parents in private law children cases concerning domestic abuse and other serious offences. Full story: Ministry of Justice.

Government confirms councils' duty to support domestic abuse victims
Councils will have a statutory duty to provide safe accommodation for victims of domestic abuse and their children from 2021, the government has confirmed. Full story: Children & Young People Now.

CASES
C (A Child) (Judicial Conduct) [2019] EWFC B53 (16 October 2019)
Appeal against care and placement orders. Appeal allowed. Conduct of district judge in court below criticised. Full report: Bailii.

G (Children) [2019] EWCA Civ 1779 (09 October 2019)
Appeal by local authority against an order discharging a care order in respect of six children. Appeal allowed. Full report: Bailii.

C (A Child) [2019] EWCA Civ 1777 (22 October 2019)
Care proceedings. Appeal by mother from an order reversing a decision to reopen a finding of fact. Appeal allowed. Full report: Bailii.

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