There is an excellent article in Family Law by Dr Julia
Brophy concerning media access to the family courts.
Based on extensive research with children and young people,
Brophy concludes that “… if young people are told the truth about media access
during their ‘journey’ through state intervention and legal proceedings, there
is a real risk that they will decide not to engage in that process.”
It is sad that apparently the powers that be do not seem to
be able to take this stark conclusion on board. The ill-thought-out clamour over
the last few years for more media access to the family courts has resulted in a
state of affairs that is putting some children and young people in intolerable situations
and breaching their human rights. It is a good example of the needs of adults and institutions
and systems being put before the needs of children.
You can download the Julia Brophy's full report at the following link:
