Agenda item

The Panel considered a report and presentation of Kelsey Clayton, Legal Manager for Children, Adults and Health which explained the process followed when a decision to issue care proceedings is taken (for copy of report and presentation see file of minutes).

The Chair thanked the Legal Manager for the presentation adding that the complex process inevitably leads to a great deal of work for the team.  In the presentation, the Legal Manager referred to the lack of a family court in Durham, with staff being required to travel to family courts in Newcastle and Middlesbrough, adding time pressures to already busy workloads.

The Chair asked if there would be merit in the Panel assisting to lobby for a family court in Durham.  The Legal Manager agreed to discuss this with the Head of Legal Services, but explained that the Ministry of Justice is subject to budget constraints which is leading to courts being closed.

Resolved:

The Panel noted the content of the presentation.

The Chair informed the Panel that the Children in Care Council update would be considered as the next item of business and the LGA packs would be discussed as the development item.