The new edition of this popular title has been extensively updated to provide a practical guide to the complexities of the Children Act 1989 and subsequent child protection legislation, guidance and case law. Among the developments included in this edition are:

• the changes brought about by the Public Law Outline in January 2023 to family justice, particularly in relation to expert evidence, time limits, care plans and delay;
• the law surrounding deprivation of liberty as it relates to children, regarding the interface between care proceedings and Article 5 ECHR, and consideration of key case law, such as Re T (A Child) [2021] UKSC 35;
• the significant changes to instruction of experts, secure accommodation, child arrangements orders and private children law; significant secondary legislation and case law surrounding special guardianship orders, particularly with the implementation of the Special Guardianship (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2018;
• the revision of Practice Directions, such as PD12A (Care and Supervision Proceedings and other Part 4 Proceedings: Guide to Case Management), Child Arrangements Programme (PD 12(B), and Revised PD12J – Domestic Abuse and Child Arrangements, Pilot Reporting and Private Law Review;
• significant case law developments in children law since publication of the last edition; and
• the revised edition of Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023), which has changed the position in relation to safeguarding and child death reviews, as well as assessments.

'All practitioners have to do is read it, apply it, and reap the benefits. I recommend this book to other practitioners.' From review of new edition by Dominik Morton, St John’s Chamber in Pink Tape 'an excellent introduction to a complex area of law.' From review of previous edition in Law Society Gazette
'… thoroughly recommend … a readable and practical tool to assist the busy practitioner.' From review of previous edition in Family Law

Safda has practised as a solicitor in both the private and the public sector. He is a solicitor, manager, and team leader in Advocacy with Coventry City Council, Legal Services Department. Safda runs training courses across England and Wales to members of the legal profession, and other professionals.  Julie recently retired as a senior lecturer in law at Cardiff University School. She has written widely on children’s rights; adoption; and open justice. She has practice experience as a former solicitor and with Cafcass