About this course
Section 32 of the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964, as amended, allows a court to obtain expert assistance in proceedings concerning a child. The court may direct the preparation of a written expert report on a question affecting the child’s welfare, appoint an expert to ascertain and convey the child’s views, or do both.
This one-day course is designed for suitably qualified professionals who prepare, or may be asked to prepare, reports under Section 32. It examines the legal function of these reports, the importance of accurate records and the principles of clear, objective and evidence-based report writing.
What you will learn
What will you learn
By the end of this course, participants will be better able to:
- Explain the purpose and function of Section 32 of the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964, as amended.
- Distinguish between a welfare report under Section 32(1)(a) and the appointment of an expert to ascertain and convey a child’s views under Section 32(1)(b).
- Understand the scope of the court order and the questions the expert has been asked to address.
- Recognise the expert’s overriding duties of independence, objectivity and impartiality.
- Understand the importance and evidential function of clear, accurate and contemporaneous records.
- Apply relevant data-protection principles.
- Use professional records appropriately when preparing a report.
- Select an appropriate structure, format and plain-English writing style.
- Identify the relevant issues, information sources and weight to be attached to the available material.
- Distinguish direct knowledge, indirect information, disputed facts, professional observations and expert opinion.
- Explain the methodology used and the basis for any conclusions or recommendations.
- Review a report with an objective and critical eye.
- Understand how a Section 32 report may be received and examined in legal proceedings.
Who should attend
This course is suitable for appropriately qualified professionals who prepare, or may be considered for appointment to prepare, Section 32 reports, including eligible professionals working in areas such as.
- Psychology and child and adolescent mental health.
- Social work and social care.
- Child development and family support.
- Speech and language therapy, where the relevant statutory requirements are met.
- Other professional disciplines relevant to the particular welfare issues before the court.
The course may also be relevant to experienced professionals who support assessments, manage sensitive records or need to understand how professional evidence is used in family-law proceedings.
Attendance does not, by itself, qualify a participant for appointment as a Section 32 expert. Eligibility depends on the applicable legislation, regulations, professional qualifications, experience and the decision of the court.
This is a practical and interactive course delivered in a small-group setting. It combines legal guidance and report analysis.