Representing Autistic Parents & Children in Care Proceedings

Introduction

Failure to recognise and take into account neurodivergence impacts children and families in the Family Justice System in two key, and intertwined, ways: it can affect the outcome of assessments and present barriers to participation in proceedings.

Recent research indicates that there is a lack of understanding amongst professionals working in the Family Justice System about autism and that autistic parents and parents of autistic children face unwarranted blame from professionals in health, education and social care.

This webinar explores the systemic challenges faced by autistic individuals in care proceedings, the importance of informed and inclusive practice, and the role of legal professionals in ensuring justice, equity, and meaningful participation for all families.

What You Will Learn

This webinar will cover the following:

• Enhance understanding of autism, including common stereotypes and misunderstandings which can affect the outcome of parenting assessments and the way autistic parents and children are treated in the family justice system
• The unique challenges faced by autistic parents and children involved in care proceedings, including the findings of recent (November 2024) research that parents of autistic children (including autistic parents) face unwarranted blame, judgment and criticism from professionals in health, education and social care
• How practitioners can help their autistic clients obtain a fair parenting assessment, including consideration of the case of A Local Authority v M & Others (Parent with autism) (illustrative of the consequences for an autistic parent of receiving the right support and skilful assessment)
• Interim care planning for autistic children: specific considerations
• Guidance, key legislation and case law authorities on the participation of vulnerable persons in family proceedings:
• The Family Justice Council Guidance on Neurodiversity in the Family Justice System for Practitioners, January 2025
• The President’s Guidance - ‘The Use of Intermediaries, Lau Advocates and Cognitive Assessments in the Family Court’, January 2025
• FPR 2010 Part 3A, PD 3AA and relevant case law, including Re M (A Child: Intermediaries) [2025]
• Understand the role of intermediaries and lay advocates
• Making an application for an intermediary to assist your autistic client: practical tips
• What other participation directions may be necessary?

This pre-recorded webinar will be available to view from Friday 5th December 2025

Alternatively, you can gain access to this webinar and 1,800+ others via the MBL Webinar Subscription. Please email webinarsubscription@mblseminars.com for more details.