Delay upon delay

The LCD’s Report Scoping Study on Delay in Childen Act Cases promised for last September has now been published based on studies completed in January 2001. It makes sorry reading. It refers to the Booth Report on Avoiding Delay in Children Act Cases 1996 saying the value of its recommendations had been significantly reduced because of the vacuum created by the abolition of the Children Act Advisory Committee in 1997, resulting in the loss of momentum in the implementation of Dame Margaret Booths recommendations. The Scoping report refers to one of the most depressing features being the extent to which inter-agency working has foundered in some areas. The absence of a designated family judge at some care centres is also found to have a clear impact on delay, not only through the loss of available sitting days, but also the lack of leadership in the court.