An open online conference hosted by the Family Justice Council (FJC) aims to encourage more people to become medical experts in the family courts in England and Wales.
The webinar is set to take place on Wednesday 13 October 2021 from 5.30-7.30pm.
The Family Justice Council’s Expert Sub-Comittee’s invitation to the event said the family courts needed “more medical expert witnesses, in relation to the cause of injuries, but also experts from the allied professions including child and family psychiatrists and psychologists.” The main shortages identified by the Committee were paediatricians, radiologists, neuroradiologists, neurosurgeons, ophthalmologists, haematologists, neonatologists and geneticists.
The programme for the event is as follows:
17:30 Welcome and introduction: Converting aspiration to reality
Mr Justice David Williams, High Court Judge of the Family Division
17:50 Preparing an Expert Report for the Family Court and Lessons Learnt
Dr Adam Oates, Consultant Paediatric/Neuro Radiologist
18:10 The contribution of the psychologist expert witnesses to the family courts
Dr Jaime Craig, Consultant Clinical Psychologist
18:30 Tips and Traps for Experts:
Experts in the family court – the basics
Maud Davis, Solicitor
When expert evidence goes wrong – lessons from the case law
Sharon Segal, Barrister
Experts and the family justice system – a paediatrician’s perspective
Dr Fiona Straw, Consultant Community Paediatrician
19:00 Q&A (via Teams chat bar)
19:30 Close
To register for the event, which is free, please email the FJC Secretariat at fjc@justice.gsi.gov.uk by 1pm on Friday 1 October 2021. The organisers should confirm a place and send joining instructions by Tuesday 5 October 2021.
While the invitation asks that people also set out their profession and organisation, we would encourage advocates, families and lay advisors to attend and explain your interest.
The family justice system has been clear in its desire to work in a transparent way, and there is absolutely no reason why you can’t attend to get a better understanding of the system.
If you come across any problems when registering you can let us know and we will engage with the FJC on your behalf.
Further information:
- Event overview (includes invitation and programme)
- Report on medical experts working in the family courts (2019)
Researching Reform 