Child protection and the modernised family justice system

Abstract

This chapter sets out to examine the impending changes in law and practice in the context of child protection and goes on to explore the implications of these changes for the child protection system. It focuses on the Family Justice Review, the Munro review, the Government response to these and the proposals for a ‘modernised family justice system’. It is suggested that the changes heralded by these documents will not necessarily lead to better decision-making in relation to vulnerable children and their families. In addition, the changes will leave social workers and perhaps even judges more vulnerable than ever to criticism.