See You in Court, Second Edition

Lynn Davis is an independent legal trainer and consultant. She has specialised in child care law since 1989, and has acted as a solicitor for local authorities, parents and children. She regularly provides legal training for professionals working with children and has taught on the law module for student social workers. She is the author of The Social Worker's Guide to Children and Families Law and A Practical Guide to Fostering Law: Fostering Regulations, Child Care Law and the Youth Justice System.

• Acknowledgements. Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. The Legal Context. 3. Who's Who. 4. Evidence. 5. Written Evidence. 6. Statement Presentation. 7. Negotiations and Settlements. 8. Procedure - the Public Outline and Experts. 9. Preparing for Court. 10. Giving Evidence. 11. Cross-Examination. 12. After Court. Appendix 1. Brief Summary of Key Legal Provisions. Appendix 2. Statement Checklist. Appendix 3. Pre-proceedings Letter. Appendix 4. Public Law Outline Flow Chart. Appendix 5. Witness Observation Checklist. Appendix 6. Cross-examination Examples. Appendix 7. End of Case Questionnaire. Index.

This second edition updates guidance for social workers giving evidence in the Family Court in the light of recent family justice reform, Children & Families Act 2014 and recent case law. It is an excellent practical resource for newly qualified social workers, those new to court work or those who need to refresh their knowledge. This book also clarifies the difference between criminal and care proceedings in child protection cases with plenty of relevant examples. It contains everything you need to know about presenting evidence both in writing and in person based on solid practice experience. There are good examples throughout and especially helpful appendices with examples of cross-examination and observation feedback to help learning and professional development. I highly recommend this book.