CYP Now - The Big Debate: Will family court reporting lead to better decisions for children?

Under measures introduced to improve transparency in the legal system, the media can report on cases in 16 family courts across England. Experts discuss if the changes will improve outcomes for children.

Since January, media have been able to attend hearings at 16 family courts in England as part of a pilot to improve transparency. Picture: СЕМЕН САЛИВАНЧУК/Adobe Stock

Panellists

Somia Siddiq, co-chair, Association of Lawyers for Children

Somia is a solicitor with 12 years’ experience of practicing children’s law. She has worked in the family department of ITN Solicitors since 2018 acting for children and parents in complex cases involving abuse, radicalization and non-accidental injuries.

She is a member of the Law Society Children Panel and regularly accepts instructions from children’s guardians.

Lisa Harker, director, Nuffield Family Justice Observatory

Lisa joined the NFJO in April 2019 after being chief executive of charity The Art Room.

Her career has spanned research, policy advice, journalism, campaigning and service delivery with a focus on finding ways to improve the lives of disadvantaged children.

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