By Julia Brophy, University of Oxford
This report reviews empirical studies of child care proceedings, and was commissioned as a briefing paper for the Child Care Proceedings Review. Key findings include the seriousness of the cases which come before the courts, involving vulnerable parents often with health problems and chaotic lifestyles. The proceedings included inquisitorial features, ie Practice Directions and Protocols. Most children were in a settled placement within 12 months of the hearing.
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