video record
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Description
This programme is a reconstruction of the proceedings of a juvenile court considering an application for a care order on a young boy. It is the first of two programmes.
Metadata describing this Open University video programme
Module code and title: P253, Conflict in the family
Item code: P253; 03
First transmission date: 21-08-1980
Published: 1980
Rights Statement:
Restrictions on use:
Duration: 00:24:30
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Producer: Vic Lockwood
Contributors: David Allonby; Tom French
Publisher: BBC Open University
Keyword(s): Allegation; Assessment; Care order; Clerk of the court; Cross examination; Guidance and control; Social Enquiry Report; Supervision order
Footage description: This programme consists of a reconstruction of proceedings in a juvenile court. The case in question is an application made by a local authority, for the care of a young boy, Charles Knight. The programme begins as the solicitors for the parents, child and local authority, Mr Coller, Mr Burton and Mr Navarro, respectively, introduce themselves to the magistrates. The clerk of court then explains the nature of the application for care to the magistrates. Mr Navarro addresses the court, making the case for the local authority. The first witness we see is a social worker, Diana Hannaford. She lists her qualifications and experience and then explains how she first came into contact with the Knight family, when they came to the District Oifice on their own volition to ask for their son to be taken into care. She then discribes how Charles later we home and Mr Knight then decided to keep him at home. Miss Hannaford describes further incidents which led to her visiting the Knights home. She suggested voluntary supervision might help with the family difficulties. The help of the social services was rejected by Mr Knight. Later the social services instituted these proceedings. She talked with Charles at the Assessment Unit where he was more talkative than he had been previously. Miss Hannaford is then questioned by Mr Navarro out the nature of Mr Knights' personality. Council for Mr Knight objects to this question as Miss Hannaford is not medically trained. The magistrate over-rules this objection. Miss Hannaford states that Mr Knight had little understanding of Charles' needs. Burton now cross-examines Miss Hannaford, and establishes that there does not appear to be any cause outside the family which can explain Charles' behaviour. Mr Coller then cross-examines the witness. He argues that Charles needs the support of his family and that staying at home would provide him with the most stable environment. Miss Hannaford argues that a period of time away from home would be good for Mr Coller then challenges the validity of Miss Hannaford's evidence, pointing out that she is acquiescing to Charles' blackmail and that she has met Mr Knight for short periods, not long enough to enable her to form a valid judgement of the family circumstances.
Production number: FOUP037T
Videofinder number: 3097
Available to public: no