Reimagining Family Justice: Innovation, insight and impact in Children Law
Join leading voices in public and private children law for an interactive day of insight, reform and practical tools.
Date and time
Location
INNSiDE by Meliá Liverpool
43 Old Hall Street Liverpool L3 9PP United KingdomRefund Policy
Lineup
Agenda
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Registration and lunch
1:45 PM - 2:00 PM
Welcome
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Session 1 - Hot off the press
2:35 PM - 3:00 PM
Session 2 - Substance testing on trial: Rethinking evidence in Family Courts
3:00 PM - 3:10 PM
Break for coffee and cake
3:10 PM - 3:35 PM
Session 3 - Born into care with Prof. Karen Broadhurst (OBE)
3:40 PM - 4:00 PM
Session 4 - Modern trends in online communication for separating parents
4:00 PM - 4:45 PM
Session 5 - Domestic Abuse Findings Panel: SMART thinking
About this event
- Event lasts 4 hours
Join leading voices in public and private children law for an interactive day of insight, reform and practical tools. This is not just another day of CPD, it’s a space for collaboration, challenge and change in family justice.
- Hear from judges, researchers and leading family law barristers
- Explore real-world cases and cutting-edge tools
- Gain insights that you can bring into your everyday practice
Explore a day of insight, discussion and practical tools for practitioners working in both public and private children law. Here are just some of the key sessions planned for Reimagining Family Justice 2025:
Hot off the press - Rapid-fire legal updates and case law insights from the Unit team and guest KC. Stay ahead of the curve with the latest on Section 37 directions, risk assessments and family law developments.
Substance testing on trial: Rethinking evidence in Family Courts – In partnership with our lead sponsor, DNA Legal, this session lifts the lid on how drug and alcohol testing is transforming, and sometimes distorting, decision-making in children cases. From the risks of miscarriage of justice through misunderstood cut-off levels, to emerging tech that distinguishes use from exposure, this is a must-attend for future-focused advocates. Includes practical tools, real-life case insight and an interactive quiz to sharpen your courtroom approach.
Born into care: A conversation with Prof. Karen Broadhurst (OBE) - A powerful fireside chat unpacking the ethics, evidence and emotional impact of pre-birth intervention and repeat care proceedings. What does humane child protection at birth look like and how can legal professionals help break harmful cycles?
Modern trends in online communication for separating families: With Our Family Wizard and the Unit team, this session explores how communication technology is being used to manage risk and support parenting plans in private and public law proceedings.
Domestic abuse findings: SMART thinking in a complex landscape - An expert panel chaired by Lisa Edmunds, featuring DDJs, mediators and safeguarding specialists. Learn how the SMART framework is being applied in domestic abuse cases and what to expect from the evolving judicial approach to findings.
Frequently asked questions
This will be an in-person event. We’re currently exploring whether some sessions will be available post-event.
Your ticket includes full access to all sessions, lunch and refreshments, printed resources, and post-event materials.
Absolutely. Sessions are designed to be relevant, practical and thought-provoking for anyone working in children law, whether in public or private law.
Yes. We estimate 3 CPD hours for the full-day programme.
Solicitors, judges, social workers, guardians, Cafcass professionals, law students and legal academics working in family law, especially children law.
Yes – we are committed to ensuring the venue and materials are fully accessible. Please let us know your requirements during registration.