Public children law and adoption: key developments in 2026

A practical update on the key developments in public children law and adoption during 2026, including significant recent decisions from the senior courts.

The webinar will cover key issues including the use and instruction of experts, assessment of risk, deprivation of liberty, placement options and placement orders, as well as post-adoption contact and contact following placement orders.

Designed for practitioners who want a concise overview of the latest principles, case law and developments, with a particular focus on changes during 2026.

Topics covered include:

• Practice direction updates in 2026
• Interim care orders and position with separation – Effect of Re C (A child) (Interim Separation: Residential Care) 2025 EWCA Civ 1618
• Use of psychological assessments – Re H (Children: Expertise of Witness)
• [2026] EWCA Civ 249
• Deemed threshold and IRH – consideration of Re H (Final Care Orders at IRH) [2025] EWCA Civ 1342
• Balancing of options – adoption versus fostering   – consideration of Re S (Foster Care or Placement for Adoption) [2026] EWCA Civ 47
• Compelling reason for making a s.51A Order – consideration of Re C, D, E and F (ACA s51A: contact order after adoption) [2025] EWFC 436 (B)
• Modern view of adoption – consideration of Re B-A (Placement Order and Contact Order) [2026] EWCA Civ 356
• Relinquished baby cases – Re S (A Child) (Relinquished Baby: Notification to the Father) [2025] EWFC 463
• Case law update