In the ever-evolving landscape of family law, the Supporting Families conference, held in September 2023, stands as a beacon of hope and progress. This remarkable event, held under the aegis of the Family Law Reform Now network project, has been nothing short of a resounding success. Spearheaded by the visionary duo of Dr. Charlotte Bendall and Dr. Rehana Parveen at the University of Birmingham, this conference is a testament to the power of collective determination and expertise.
The Supporting Families conference was not just another gathering of legal minds. It is a dedicated platform, aimed at addressing the intricate challenges entwined within the public law system, particularly in the context of legal proceedings involving families. Its core objective is clear: to initiate conversations, explore possibilities, and pave the way for much-needed policy reform, strengthening the support structures for families entangled in these intricate legal proceedings.
This momentous event is the brainchild of a passionate team: Dr. Samantha Davey, a Lecturer in Law at the University of Essex; Celeste Greenwood, a Barrister-at-Law at Exchange Chambers; Omolade Adedapo and Anna Rickards from PAUSE; and Bessy Eigbefoh, a Solicitor at Francis Solicitors. Together, they have orchestrated an assembly of experts and professionals, bringing diversity and dynamism to the discussion table.
The Supporting Families conference was designed to cast a piercing spotlight on the deficiencies of the public law system, with a specific focus on care and adoption cases. It boldly underlined the urgency of implementing legal and policy reforms to fortify the foundation of support for these embattled families.
This conference was about tangible action. Attendees were in for a treat, as they benefited from the opportunity to learn from a constellation of practitioners and academics who have dedicated their careers to unraveling the complexities of these cases. Their shared experiences illuminated the path toward change, guiding our collective vision towards more humane, empathetic, and effective legal proceedings.
As we look back on the Supporting Families conference, we celebrate not just its resounding success, but also the unwavering determination of those who organised and participated in this transformative event.
The conference stood out like a vibrant thread, weaving a narrative of change, empowerment, and justice. It was a milestone in the journey of transforming the lives of families and a shining example of what can be achieved when dedicated minds come together to effect change.
Looking ahead, the legacy of the Supporting Families conference continues to flourish, with the promise of an even brighter future. The event in Birmingham was a prelude to the next chapter in Dr. Davey’s journey toward reform. Through the support of the SLS research activities fund, further work will now commence With Dr. Charlotte Bendall on the benefits of mediation for grandparents, recognising the invaluable role they play in the lives of children.
Additionally, a partnership with Dr. Jaime Lindsey from the University of Reading, fueled by a grant from the British Academy, is set to unveil critical insights into the experiences of child survivors of sexual abuse within the Family Court. A seminar series is set to start, with Dr. Lindsey delivering a seminar on November 9th at the University of Essex. If you are interested in attending, please contact Dr. Samantha Davey at smdave@essex.ac.uk.
The Supporting Families conference was just the beginning, and it has ignited a beacon of hope that will continue to illuminate the path to a more compassionate, just, and inclusive family law system.
The conference programme and speaker details can be downloaded here:
Abstracts can be downloaded here:
Essex Law Research Blog 