Publications

A discussion paper for the Home Office about the Domestic Abuse Strategy.

A policy paper with practical suggestions for the forthcoming comprehensive strategy required of Government by the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. The main messages are about the need to promote a cross-departmental public health approach to ending domestic abuse; to pay greater attention to the involvement and role of the family justice system; and to provide sufficient funding for the broad range of interventions needed so that those who are responsible for abuse are offered high challenge/high support to change their behaviour whilst ensuring that the safety and well-being of those who are abused, and of children and others close to them, is paramount at all stages.

Jo Tunnard (November 2021) A discussion paper for the Home Office about the Domestic Abuse Strategy. On behalf of CJI, FRG, RiP and RTB.

Why are older children in care proceedings? A themed audit in four local authorities.

Commissioned by Research in Practice, as part of the NFJO work programme that seeks to understand what is working well and what changes are needed for the current systems and services to respond well to the strengths and needs of older children and their families.

The report describes the work with English and Welsh authorities to analyse the circumstances before, during and after care proceedings of 73 children aged 10 to 17 in 49 families. With detailed case studies to illustrate the broad range of child and family experiences, and with recommendations for a renewed focus on early attention to parental needs, better support when children return home on a supervision order, ways of reducing the risk of exclusion from school, and earlier connections between children’s services and the youth justice system.

See summary report here

Parker, C. and Tunnard, J. (2021) Why are older children in care proceedings? A themed audit in four local authorities. London: Nuffield Family Justice Observatory

Pre-birth Assessment: Strategic Briefing (2020)

Find the full report here

Six Years on Track: In and After Care Proceedings, 2013-2019 (2020)

With Celia Parker. Report launched December 2020 by the South London Care Proceedings Project (SLCPP).

The report analysed the children and family data from the care proceedings brought during the first six years of the South London Care Proceedings Project, from 2013 to 2019. The SLCPP involved the London Boroughs of Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark.

Find the full report here

LOCAL AUTHORITY CARE PROCEEDINGS PROJECTS (2014-2020)

Three other reports arising from our project management of local authority Care Proceedings Projects.

These projects were set up to support local authorities, courts and partner organisations prepare for the changes to care proceedings introduced by the Children and Families Act 2014 and the revised Public Law Outline.

A Year in Proceedings (February 2015)

A report from the four local authority case managers and the project manager about the care proceedings during the first year of the South London Care Proceedings Project (2013 to 2014). With recommendations for future activity by this consortium of local authorities and partner agencies, under the direction of its Steering Group of court and social care stakeholders.

Find the full report here.

Bi-Borough Evaluation Reports (January 2015 and 2014)

Reports from the local authority case manager and the project manager about the work and impact of the Bi-Borough Care Proceedings Project during 2014 and 2015. The Bi-Borough project involved the London Boroughs of Camden and Islington.

Find the full 2015 report here.
Find the full 2014 report here.

The Care Crisis Review: Options for Change (June 2018) Family Rights Group

The 20 ideas, arising from the Review, for changes to local authority and court systems, and national and local policies and practice, that will help reduce the number of care applications and of children in the care system.

Parental mental health: Frontline Briefing (2018) Research in Practice

Information for practitioners and managers about the range and prevalence of parental mental health problems, the possible impact on children’s health and development, the support needed, and effective or promising approaches when working with families. With an accompanying practice tool with questions for reflection and messages from parents and children.

After FDAC: outcomes 5 years later. Final report. (December 2016) Lancaster University

A study comparing the outcomes for up to five years after the end of care proceedings for children and parents who had been through either FDAC (140 families) or ordinary proceedings (100 families).

 

Problem solving in court: current practice in FDACs in England. Final report. (December 2016) Lancaster University

A study exploring how FDAC judges in 46 hearings used time in court to motivate and encourage FDAC parents to change their lifestyle.

Family Drug and Alcohol (FDAC) research

For all our research reports about FDAC, click here

  • the 2 final reports above (Dec 2016)
  • summary findings about outcomes and court practice (Sept 2016)
  • earlier studies of FDAC in London (May 2014 and May 2011)
  • the feasibility of establishing FDAC (May 2006).