"...the book fully justifies its title and will earn a well-thumbed place on the bookshelves, not only of children's lawyers, but also of children's guardians and intermediaries who need to understand how the court can, or cannot, assist the vulnerable to give evidence…" - review of 1st edn in Seen and Heard

A step by step guide for lawyers in both family and/or criminal cases with respect to vulnerable people who are connected or party to those proceedings. In criminal proceedings consideration is given to the stages from both a defence and prosecution perspective, whilst in family proceedings there is consideration of all stages of proceedings including the pre-issuing of proceedings and the post final order.

The Second Edition takes account of recent key developments including:

- Updated Toolkits on the www.theadvocatesgateway.org including the latest update in January 2026
- The Equal Treatment Bench Book 2024
- New Practice Guidance: 'The Use of Intermediaries, Lay Advocates and Cognitive Assessments in the Family Court' 2025, along with further guidance in the leading case of Re M (a child: Intermediaries) [2025] EWCA Civ 440
- The significant cases of CM v IP [2022] EWHC 2755 (Fam), BF v LE [2023] EWHC 2009 (Fam), Re X (Domestic Abuse: Participation Directions: Obligation to Consider) [2024] EWFC 121 (B) and Lancashire CC v M [2023] EWFC 30
- Achieving Best Evidence in Criminal Proceedings: Guidance on interviewing victims and witnesses and guidance on using special measures (2022)
- The new, simplified procedure for notifying courts in criminal proceedings of the intention to use standard special measures when certain vulnerable witnesses are giving evidence (2025)

This title is included in Bloomsbury Professional's Family Law online service.

Frank Feehan KC 1KBW, London
Frank is recognised as a leading silk in all areas of family law. He has been successful in major reported cases in the areas of matrimonial finance, international family law and domestic children law, at all levels including the Supreme Court, in the last 5 years. Frank is regularly instructed in cases involving vulnerable people and the complexity and care that requires. Frank sits as a Recorder in criminal matters regularly presiding over serious offences including serious sexual offence cases and is highly experienced in the criminal procedure for protecting vulnerable people in criminal proceedings.

Caroline Harris barrister 1KBW, London
Caroline is an experienced child law specialist, covering both public and private law. She represents parents, Local Authorities and Guardians at all levels. Caroline is regularly instructed in cases involving vulnerable people and one of her areas of specialism is representing vulnerable parties. Caroline practiced in criminal law for 20 years and still advises in this area. Due to having a dual practice Caroline is able to provide a clear perspective on cases with both family law and criminal law issues at play and has significant experience conducting cases which involve both proceedings.