More UK-based parents are choosing to establish a family on their own and high costs are leading many to receive fertility treatments abroad, it has been suggested. 42-year-old Harriet from the UK is one of
New statistics published by the Department for Education (DfE) have revealed that 1,183,384 pupils in England in 2023 receive support for their special educational needs (SEN) without an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). This
Vision Foundation has invested £200,000 in projects to support visually impaired people experiencing domestic abuse, according to Optometry Today. As a result of Vison Foundation’s “The Unseen report”, they have released details of the domestic
Ofsted have published a consultation on proposed changes to their post-inspection arrangements, including how they handle complaints about their work. Ofsted propose to: enhance on-site professional dialogue during inspections to help address any issues before
Madeleine Storry has become interim Chief Executive Office of the Office of the Victims’ Commissioner, following the departure of Katie Kempen (CEO 2021-2023). Madeleine was recently the OVC’s Head of Policy and Research, responsible for
Cafcass has launched a new animated video called “Taking me seriously: letting you know how we help” at a dedicated “explainer” event hosted by the National Business Centre. The new video has been developed in
New research conducted by Refuge, England’s largest specialist domestic abuse support service provider, shows that community-based domestic abuse services are under significant strain due to lack of funding. Four in five (85%) frontline workers surveyed
New analysis of deprivation of liberty orders confirms many children are facing long and severe restrictions in unregistered placements far from home. New analysis of the legal outcomes of deprivation of liberty applications in England
Solicitors providing “unbundled” services could make legal help affordable for those whom it is currently too expensive, a new report has found. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) conducted research into unbundling of legal services to
The non-fatal strangulation offence came info force in June last year, meaning abusers who strangle their partners in an attempt to control or induce fear face up to five years behind bars. Non-fatal strangulation was
New sanctions holding perpetrators of sexual violence in conflict zones to account have been introduced by the UK on the International Day to End Sexual Violence in Conflict. Lord Ahmad, the Prime Minister’s Special Representative
A government-backed Bill ensuring victims of domestic abuse can receive financial support for their children without contact from their abuser has been approved by Parliament. The new law will allow the Child Maintenance Service (CMS)
This week marks four-years since the Women in Law Pledge was launched to bring gender equality to the forefront of the conversation, as announced by The Law Society of England and Wales. Last year saw
The continued impact of the cost of living crisis means that women who are unable to find a place in a suitable refuge are facing greater risks, including homelessness or being forced to remain with
The Victims and Prisoners Bill began the next stage of passage through Parliament on 19th June, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) confirmed this week. The MoJ also said rape victims will also be given the
A government-backed programme has delivered improved quality of life for families affected by alcohol misuse, with children better able to access support and alcohol dependent parents encouraged to seek treatment. The Children of Alcohol Dependent
The need for family lawyers has made pro bono clinics recruit more volunteers for legal advice and representation provided by lawyers. Pro bono volunteering includes advice or representation for individuals, charities and community groups who
LexisNexis has released their latest Bellwether report which reveals that 46% of law firms are expecting to grow throughout tthe duration of this year. The report also revealed that whilst there is a desire for
Women’s Aid’s manifesto for the 2024 general election calls for the national prioritisation of domestic abuse and other forms of VAWG, and for political parties to pledge their commitment to their three key pillars for
The Department for Work and Pensions has revealed that Universal Credit’s maximum childcare payments will rise nearly 50% – up to £1,630 per month – from 28th June. As part of the Government’s “biggest ever
A new study shows that the growth in for-profit provision of outsourced children’s services is linked with out of area and unstable placements. The study, led by DSPI Senior Postdoctoral Researcher Anders Bach-Mortensen and Research
During the recalculation of the public sector pensions, divorcing teachers and NHS staff face delays due to their financial settlements, as reported by the BBC. The Treasury promised a solution by summer after announcing the
New rules will see up to 4,500 more lawyers from diverse backgrounds eligible to become judges under plans announced by the government on 11th May. Experienced Chartered Institute of Legal Executive lawyers, after gaining seven
Government delays to children’s social care reforms could cost taxpayers £1 billion over the next 10 years, the NSPCC has warned. The analysis warns that the government is set to spend an additional £1 billion
The legal sector is changing. 100 years on from Carrie Morrison’s qualification as the first female solicitor, women now make up 53% of practising solicitors and 69% of applicants to law schools. The profession is
A redress scheme for survivors of child sexual abuse will be launched in England, recognising the trauma victims have suffered, the government announced this week. To be set up on the back of the Independent
The Law Commission of England and Wales has officially published views sought on proposals to counter effects of rape myths in sexual offence trials. Every year in England and Wales, around 128,000 adults – over
A Judge from the family courts has been criticised for directing a rape victim to “directly arrange childcare with an ex-husband” who exposed her to domestic abuse and rape, as reported in the Independent. The
The Legal Aid Agency’s guidance on financial eligibility has been successfully challenged by a disabled women after securing permission from the High Court, as reported in the Gazette. After nearly running into a financial wall
Victims of rape will no longer face “unnecessary and invasive” requests from the police to access their therapy notes or other personal records due to new legislation announced on 15th May 2023. For the first
Between July 2022 and April 2023, the national deprivation of liberty court (DoL) issued a total of 1,139 applications. In July 2022, the President of the Family Division launched the national deprivation of liberty court.
Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual event observed in many places around the world. The aim of this week is to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and to reduce the stigma
1GC has announced two recent additions to their rants which means they are now a 97-strong set. Becky Littlewood joined the Chambers a couple of weeks ago. Becky, who was called to the bar in
Children who have experienced sexual and domestic abuse, could currently find it hard to get the specialist support they need, according to data from the NSPCC. The NSPCC sent freedom of information requests to 174
Police officers with a history of domestic abuse against multiple partners and more have managed to pass vetting procedures in recent months, as reported in the Guardian. The police watchdog of England and Wales revealed
Talbots Law has announced the acquisition of Sarginsons Law having seen fees accelerate to £22m in 2022 and will retain all of the company’s 20 legal professionals. This includes Managing Partner Ian Cox, Finance Partner