There have been two interesting articles in the
times
one by John Batt
relating to MSbP and FII
one by Adrian Keane
about unreliable evidence.
A contrary argument for professional secrecy occurs here from
Jonathan Gornall
I have asked him to explain why professionals should be allowed to give
evidence in secret.
Metaphyseal Fractures
I have written to the College of Radiologists to ask for their formal
evidenced position on Metaphyseal Fractures.
This paper
demonstrates that Metaphyseal Fractures in isolation do not prove Child
Abuse.
RCPCH
I have written to the RCPCH to ask for a meeting about research
protocols. No response has been received as yet (about 2 weeks).
Useful recent URLs (in previous reports)
The judgement of Justice Mumby relating to the
Webster Family is an important judgement.
Court of Appeal judgement relating to Roy
Meadow.
Tammy's story demonstrates the difficulty of
Contested Adoptions forced through on the basis of flawed evidence, on the
balance of probabilities in secret. There is an effect both on the child,
the birth parents and the adoptive parents. I am calling for a hold on
contested adoptions whilst the process is reviewed.
EDMs when retabled will appear at.
The Family Proceedings (Amendment No 4) Rules
2005
Simon Clayton's hearing into secrecy
The reference is to Daily Mail and Times Online
articles about Simon Clayton obtaining the right to talk publicly about his
private law Family Court Case. I don't have the original case materials to
hand. However, it gives a mechanism whereby people can obtain court orders
to talk publicly about their cases.
Consultation on opening up proceedings in family
courts
This is an important consultation into a more
widespread opening up of access to Family Court Cases. The
consultation remains open. An area where concern remains is mechanisms to
prevent continual perjury in Family Courts.
Children and Families Comprehensive
Spending Review
The government is reviewing expenditure in each
budget heading. People may wish to argue that money spent in assisting
families in looking after their children would be more cost effective than
expensive residential and foster care.