Paediatric medico-legal reports
Paediatric Expert Reports for Care and Family Proceedings
We provide independent paediatric expert witnesses for care proceedings, reporting on a child’s injuries, health and needs. Experts are instructed under the Family Procedure Rules, and you see the CV before you instruct. The report is written to the expert’s duty to the court.
Overview
What care proceedings involve
In care proceedings the court decides whether a child has suffered, or is likely to suffer, significant harm, and what should happen next. A paediatric report may address the cause and timing of an injury, the child’s general health and development, or the child’s ongoing medical needs, the medical questions the court and the parties need answered. Where an injury is thought to be non-accidental, the medical assessment is central; see non-accidental injury.
Reports we produce
The reports care proceedings rely on
For care proceedings we produce child protection reports on the cause and timing of injuries and the child’s presentation, condition and prognosis reports on the child’s health, development and medical needs, and, where the parties agree or the court directs, a single joint expert report. Where non-accidental injury is in issue, we use consultants with the relevant experience and confirm suitability before instruction.
Which experts report
The paediatric specialists in care proceedings
A consultant paediatrician with child-protection experience for most matters, with a paediatric radiologist, neurologist or child psychiatrist brought in where the questions call for it. We confirm the discipline and provide the CV before you instruct.
Jurisdiction and funding
Where these proceedings run, and how they are funded
Care proceedings run in England and Wales under the Family Procedure Rules (FPR Part 25), and we can advise on the position in Scotland and Northern Ireland where a matter sits there. They are usually funded by the Legal Aid Agency (LAA). We work to LAA rates and can support prior-authority requests where higher rates or specific work need to be authorised.
From instruction to report
How an instruction proceeds
Send the letter of instruction and the records, and we allocate a suitable expert within 48 hours and provide the CV. The standard report turnaround is two to four weeks, or one to two weeks where the timetable is tight. One named case manager stays with you throughout. For the documents we need at the outset, see how to instruct.
FAQ
Care proceedings: common questions
Yes. Care proceedings are usually LAA-funded, and we work to LAA rates and support prior-authority requests.
Usually a consultant paediatrician with child-protection experience, with other disciplines added where the questions require it.
Standard turnaround is two to four weeks, and one to two weeks where the matter is urgent; tell us the timetable when you enquire.
Yes. Many family instructions are on a joint basis under FPR Part 25.
Instructing in care proceedings?
Send your case details and we will allocate a suitable expert within 48 hours, working to LAA rates, with the CV before you instruct.