Children Law Accreditation

Learning outcomes

The purpose of the interview is to assess that you have clearly demonstrated the expected standards of competence:

• experience of personal conduct of cases and personal representation of parties in public and other family proceedings as defined in the Children Act 1989 (here “representation” means personal preparation and, unless impracticable, subject to your overriding duty to provide the best possible representation for your client, undertaking your own advocacy at all hearings);
• personally undertaking the advocacy for clients, including conducting contested hearings and undertaking cross examination of lay witnesses and professionals such as social workers, children’s guardians and experts a thorough knowledge of practice and procedures in the appropriate courts;
• thorough awareness of ethical issues that may arise in children cases; and
• up to date knowledge of the various guidance, rules and regulations, statutes, case law and practice developments and competence in the requisite skills, outlined in the knowledge and skill requirements as set out in the Children Law Accreditation Initial application form guidance notes (pages 13 – 14);
• ability to work directly with children, explore their competence and establish their wishes and feelings.

What this will cover

The interview will assess the knowledge, skill and competences as set out in the Children Law Accreditation Initial application form guidance notes (pages 13 – 14). The purpose of the case study is to assess your understanding and ability to apply the relevant and applicable statute and principles, case law and practice and procedure with the view to advising and representing your client. You will have to consider how to best prepare and present your client’s case, what further information, documents or reports you may request and how to deal with issues of law, procedure and evidence which arise in the case study.