A Practical Guide to Fostering Law : Fostering Regulations, Child Care Law and the Youth Justice System

A Practical Guide to Fostering Law is an accessible, jargon-free guide to the key elements of the law that concern foster carers and the professionals who work with them. It aims to help foster carers understand where they fit into the complex web of regulations surrounding childcare and to demystify the jargon and terminology which is often used but rarely explained. The book covers the laws in England and Wales governing fostering agencies and foster carers themselves, including foster carers' rights, and the formalities of placement procedures. It also provides explanations of care proceedings, the foster carer as a witness, what happens if a young fostered person gets into trouble, and moving on from foster care. The last section provides a 'who's who' of the main professionals involved and a jargon-busting glossary of the key terms often used. It also includes illustrative case examples and each chapter concludes with suggestions for where to find more information. This guide will be an invaluable resource for current and prospective foster carers and the professionals who work with them, such as support workers, social workers and foster agency staff. This engaging and perceptive book fills a significant gap in the market. Whilst there are sound textbooks on the content and application of the law to social work practice, courtroom skills have received more complacent attention and Davis now challenges this robustly. In content the book deals comprehensively and informatively with the role of the social worker in the presentation of evidence and professional self in care proceedings. The strengths of the work are reinforced by the clarity of the author's style and structure, and the authenticity of the illustrative examples. These experiences of the author convey the reader direct to the courtroom and help make the book as readable as a good novel. Reflective questions are provided to help the reader to engage with the most important issues. Throughout her book Davis shows a clear concept of the professional role of the social worker and is empowering of good practice. Furthermore she never wavers from the centrality of the welfare of the child and her book shows sensitivity and commitment as well as informed practicality. This is an excellent and accessible book which gives an informed and practical introduction to courtroom skills to student social workers, but would also be valuable, and attractive in its vibrancy, to refresh the courtroom and evidence-gathering skills of more experienced social workers, including those in practice with clients other than children. I will be recommending this book to law students at level two but will also be recommending this work for the Social Care Library of the Local Authority for use by qualified staff and for training.' - Social Policy and Social Work Subject Centre (SWAP) 'Although written from the perspective of children and families social workers and covering mainly English legal proceedings, Davis's book should prove useful to all British social workers as a general guide to giving evidence in court This book should be essential reading for social workers. It will undoubtedly help them to overcome their initial fears about going to court, providing practical tips to help improve giving evidence and coping with cross-examination.' - Involve Magazine Are you looking forward to giving evidence? What do you have concerns about? Do you know how to prepare written evidence that will be taken seriously in court? See You in Court is an accessible guide for social workers on being a witness in care proceedings. With little training and few resources available, social workers can find preparing for court a daunting part of their role. This book answers questions frequently asked by social workers in real cases, and gives information on court structures, basic rules of evidence, the roles of those involved in the proceedings, and court etiquette. It also discusses the process of giving evidence, including how to deal with cross-examination. The material is supported by case studies and checklists. This practical book is essential reading for social workers, particularly those working with children and families. Foster care and fostering agencies Becoming a foster carer Placements Carers' rights, allegations and ending fostering Basics of child care law Looked after children Care proceedings The foster carer as witness Duties towards looked after children Contact The criminal system - some legal basics The criminal process Reprimands, warnings and court Sentencing Anti-social behaviour Young victims and witnesses - evidence and compensation Long-term placements Moving to independence. Foster care and fostering agencies Becoming a foster carer Placements Foster carers' rights, allegations and ending fostering Basics of child care law Looked after children Care proceedings The foster carer as witness Duties towards looked after children Contact The criminal system-some legal basics The criminal process Reprimands, warnings and court Sentencing Anti-social behaviour Evidence and compensation Long-term placements Moving to independence. This book is an accessible, jargon-free guide to the key elements of the law that concern foster carers and the professionals who work with them. It aims to help foster carers understand where they fit into the complex web of regulations surrounding childcare and to demystify the jargon and terminology which is often used but rarely explained. 'See You In Court' answers questions frequently asked by social workers in real cases, and gives information on court structures, basic rules of evidence, the roles of those involved in the proceedings, and court etiquette. The process of giving evidence is discussed, including how to deal with cross-examination Lynn Davis aims to help foster carers understand where they fit into the complex web of regulations surrounding childcare in the England & Wales & to demystify the jargon & terminology which is often used but rarely explained Introduction The legal context Who's who Evidence Written evidence Statement presentation Negotiation and settlement Procedure Preparing for court Giving evidence Cross-examination After court.