CLS news

A new inter-agency approach to reducing unnecessary delay in care and supervision proceedings is being discussed at nine regional conferences in March. 

The events will discuss Lord Laming's recommendations for a system-wide approach to reducing delays, drawing on all partners in the care proceedings system.  This new approach will come into force on 1 April 2010. 

There will be a new National Indicator for local authorities on provision of core assessments with applications for care and supervision proceedings. 

There will also be KPI’s for the LSC on increasing the take up of pre-proceedings legal advice, for CAFCASS on the appointment of Children’s guardians and for HMCS on completion of cases in line with new timeliness bands. 

The conferences are aimed at:

• local authorities: children's services (especially pre-proceedings and court teams)
• family lawyers 
• children's guardians
• the judiciary, magistracy and legal professionals
• court administrative representatives and legal advisers

There is no charge for delegates

You can register online for the events:

• Regional events (except East of England).  (click on 'Ministry of Justice')
• East of England event

For general queries about the conference call Nicola at Calders on 0113 204 3627.

For specific details on the content of the conference contact Francis Cairns by email or on 020 3334 3141.