U-turn mooted on media access rights

March 28, 2007 in Child safeguarding, Children, Family justice

Social work practitioners have welcomed government hints that it will drop proposals to give the media the right to report on the family courts, following opposition from vulnerable children.

Last week, constitutional affairs secretary Lord Falconer said most vulnerable children questioned about the plans had opposed giving the media access as of right. He said a way forward “may well involve allowing the press or the public in only where the judge agrees”.

Alison Paddle, chair of guardians’ body Nagalro, said: “We are very heartened that the government seems to be taking account of what people have been saying, and the voice of children has been heard”.

Further information
Responses to the government’s consultation on opening up the family courts, published last July, revealed widespread opposition to media attendance as of right.