Gemma Johnston awarded certification in Child Centred Practice
We are delighted that one of our Family Law team, Gemma Johnston, has been awarded a certification in child-centred practice from the Law Society of Scotland.
Gemma commented: “The Law Society of Scotland recently offered a course which was specifically designed to allow solicitors to train in developing a child centred practice. The core message of the course was to teach us to use our legal skills to make sure that children and young people are always kept at the heart of every decision made about them. This course provided me with practical tools and strategies to develop my own child-centred legal practice, and the course has added to my knowledge of working with children as clients.”
This course provided a more in-depth understanding of the practical implications of the incorporation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into Scots’ Law, as more children will seek to claim their rights. Incorporation of the UNCRC into domestic law will mean that the Scottish Government and other public authorities – such as the police, schools, hospitals and councils – must protect children’s rights and listen to children when making decisions. It means that public authorities are bound by law to act in a manner that is consistent with children’s rights under the UNCRC, and they can be held accountable if they do not. The UNCRC gives power to children, and this will likely have an impact law and policies going forward.
If you wish more details on the UNCRC please see an earlier article prepared by Gemma here.
Gemma added: “The course also had a focus on trauma informed practice, and training was provided to recognise the impact of trauma in our clients, including being able to practice in a way that does no further harm, and helps support those affected by trauma, and the way that we can adapt our practice. It is essential for family lawyers to have an awareness of trauma and the effect it can have, and this training reinforced my knowledge and provided further training on dealing with this in practice.”
Fiona Campbell, Head of our Family Law team said: “Gemma is a key member of our Family Law team, and we are really pleased that she has obtained her certification, re-iterating the knowledge and approach she brings to her clients.”
December has brought double recognition for our Family Law team, with our Associate solicitor, Laura McCarthy, being accredited as a specialist in Family Law by the Law Society of Scotland.
If you require any advice on separation, divorce or child law then please contact our Family Law Team on 01463 239393 or mail@macandmac.co.uk.