Court work

Also known as ‘surviving the witness box’, this intensive course is delivered by a mixture of practitioners and lawyers. Participants learn about the options available to them in court; people’s roles; how to write reports taking account of the judicial protocol; pre-proceedings preparation including acquiring essential knowledge of the judicial case management procedures, including the Public Law Outline which will be implemented nationally from April 2008; what is, and what is not, evidence; and how to deliver oral evidence through cross-examination.They investigate a complex case and come to their own conclusions about what orders, if any, they should apply for.They are then individually cross-examined for up to 30 minutes by an experienced family law solicitor.The course is suitable for all staff irrespective of role and experience. It is particularly effective with multi-agency groups and workers from overseas.

Learning outcomes cover:

• The principles governing the family proceedings courts.
• The range of court orders available in child protection and their application.
• Appropriate orders to meet the individual needs of children.
• The principles of anti-discriminatory practice in working with the courts.
• The difference between evidence and fantasy, fact and opinion.
• How to compile professionally written statements.
• Presenting evidence orally in a professional manner and acquiring essential skills in surviving cross examinations.