Just Following Instructions? The Representation of Parents in Care Proceedings

The study, conducted in 4 court areas in England and Wales, explored the work of lawyers representing parents in care proceedings through observation of hearings (109); interviews with legal professionals involved in care proceedings (61); and focus groups with solicitors, barristers, judges and magistrates’ legal advisers. Sixteen cases, selected to reflect the different circumstances where care proceedings are brought, were followed from an early hearing to completion of the proceedings, with a researcher shadowing a parent’s representative in discussions with their client, with the other parties’ lawyers and in the courtroom. The study provides an in depth account of the task of representation and court processes in care proceedings.The report provides detailed findings on the culture in child protection (dependency) proceedings in England and Wales in 2008-9; the ethos of professionals working in care proceedings and its impact on their work; the lawyers undertaking this work and the practice of representation, including the impact of public funding for this work.