19 May 2017
Conference Examines Needs Of Children In Justice System
Putting the needs of children at the centre of the Justice system was one of the key themes discussed at a conference organised and hosted by the Law Society of Northern Ireland.
Over 110 solicitors attended the Children Order Conference which took place at the Crowne Hotel, Belfast.
The conference has become an annual event in the legal calendar and it continues to provide an opportunity for legal practitioners who specialise in family and criminal law to come together to discuss issues and developments in relation to children and the justice system.
Those attending had an opportunity to hear from key note addresses including:
The Right Honourable Lord Justice Gillen who provided attendees with an update in respect of the family law aspects of his Civil Justice Review;
The Honourable Mr Justice O'Hara who spoke on current issues within the family courts in Northern Ireland.
His Honour Judge Nicholas Crichton (retired) on the benefits of Family Drug and Alcohol Courts.
Mike Shaw who spoke on the role of a psychiatrist in Children Order cases and attendees also heard from John Sheldon, Patricia Devine, Karen Woodall, Clare Burke, Suzanne Rice, and Laura Lee Jenkins.
Commenting on the conference, Fiona Donnelly, Chair of the Children Order Panel said:
“It is important that we provide a platform in which to share knowledge, best practice and to hear from the experts in the field of Children’s law. I am delighted that yet again the Children Order Conference has been a resounding success and I wish to thank our key note speakers and attendees”.
ENDS