Revisiting 'necessary': the use and value of ISW expertise in care proceedings

Following a brief summary of main findings from an evaluation of the use of independent social work (ISW) expertise in care proceedings ([2013] Fam Law 1492), we explore further some key findings in the light of rules now governing the use of all experts, and practices in the use of ISW expertise in particular. We pull together findings which challenge views put to the Family Justice Review (FJR) chaired by David Norgrove which stated such experts caused delay, result from human rights claims by parents, duplicate local authority assessments, add nothing new to cases, have no impact on outcomes for children and undermine local authority social workers.