Children’s law

Highly experienced advisers on the unique issues concerning children in health and social care environments

We have advised in relation to many major child protection investigations including the Cleveland Child Abuse Inquiry, the Beverley Allitt Inquiry and the Victoria Climbié Inquiry.

We successfully defended the NHS in the important case of JD v East Berkshire Community Healthcare NHS Trust (2005), where the House of Lords determined that in raising concerns about child abuse, healthcare professionals would not be liable to parents in circumstances where suspicions raised and acted upon in good faith were not in fact proven.

The team have advised many NHS bodies in difficult cases where consent issues have been raised, particularly when there is disagreement between healthcare professionals and parents. In these circumstances we have sought declarations concerning treatment of children, or withdrawal of treatment.

The team are able to draw on experience and expertise across the firm. This is particularly relevant when dealing with issues relating to information sharing and disclosure, or where mental health issues arise.

We are also committed to providing training in this area for health and social care staff, particularly in the field of child protection, and supported conferences.

Key services and issues

• Consent to medical treatment issues – seeking declarations where appropriate
• Preparation and review of statements prepared in connection with care proceedings
• Disclosure, information sharing and confidentiality
• Child protection investigations
• Child mental health
• Inquests