The family court during lockdown

June 2, 2020 4:05 AM

Journalist and activist for greater family court transparency, Louise Tickle, posts about attending three family court sessions during lockdown: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3. The Transparency Project blogs about reporting a remote hearing. Lisa Harker, head of the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory, interviewed: 'Remote family court hearings are not just or humane'.
posted by paduasoy (4 comments total)

Man, that was heartbreaking. I have a friend whose traffic court case has been postponed until further notice because of the lockdown, but in cases where a child’s immediate welfare is at stake it’s not something you can just put off. My heart goes out to everyone involved.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 7:16 AM on June 2, 2020 [1 favorite]

I've spent a lot of time in family court in my role as a foster parent, and I cannot imagine the challenges faced in having to do this remotely. What a truly heartbreaking situation and difficult situation.
posted by SeedStitch at 8:23 AM on June 2, 2020 [2 favorites]

My nieces and nephews are in foster care. I work within the CPS system. I am sick to think that either these precious families that are picking up pieces of these children, or the entire network of people that would be exposed if they held visitation in person, or the kids would be at risk are in this nightmare of a predicament. If you are a foster parent or a direct care worker, a child in custody or a parent fighting to do the right thing and restore your family...I can only imagine. I'm sorry that this is real.
posted by lextex at 12:25 PM on June 2, 2020 [4 favorites]

Practitioners are concerned that footage of court hearings will be posted online.
posted by Grinder at 1:50 AM on June 3, 2020