Mental Disorders, Mental Illness and the Family Court

"...should be welcomed by all those who work in the field of Family Law...an 'off the shelf' comprehensive resource...the focus throughout is on helping the reader, not only to understand all relevant aspects of mental illness, but also to understand how that knowledge may impact upon any particular court case...Its publication is therefore most welcome and I predict that it will soon become a recognisable presence on the bookshelves of many." The Rt Hon Sir Andrew McFarlane, President of the Family Division

Mental Disorders, Mental Illness and the Family Court provides information on more than 70 mental health conditions found in children, young people and adults. It is designed specifically for non-medical professionals who practise in public and private work in the Family Court, and advises on what adjustments need to be considered for those appearing in court who are suffering with a mental disorder.

It provides:

Clear descriptions of the nature of each mental disorder, as well as their treatment and management, with links to further information and specialist help
Explanations of how mental disorders and illness can impact on family dynamics and relationships
Case studies that illustrate real-life scenarios
In addressing the legal framework of the Family Court, the authors look at the crossover between the Children Act 1989 and the Mental Health Act 1983 in how they relate to children and young people, and show how reports and assessments that are produced for the Family Court fit into this.

This is an essential title for all those who work within the Family Court jurisdiction from judges, magistrates and family lawyers to Cafcass officers, social workers and CAMHS multi-disciplinary teams. It will also provide useful insights for parents, carers and guardians involved with the Family Court.

Dr Joan Rutherford FRCPsych
Joan became Chief Medical Member, First Tier Tribunal (Mental Health) in 2010, and is also an honorary consultant at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. Her post combines the position of doctor at the Mental Health Tribunal with a management and training role and she is a member of the tribunal's child and adolescent mental health services panel (CAMHS). Previously, she was a consultant psychiatrist at Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust from 1992-99, then at South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust from 1999-2010. Joan co-authored the eBook Mental Disorders -Information for Mental Health Tribunal Members, which was made available to all judicial members of HM Courts and Tribunals Service in August 2019.

Judge Meleri Tudur
She is the Deputy President of the Health Education and Social Care Chamber of the First-tier Tribunal; responsible for the Special Educational Needs and Disability, Care Standards and Primary Health Lists Jurisdiction within that Chamber. She has experience of Family Court work.

Jennifer Cross JP CQSW
Jenny worked for many years as a social worker/manager and approved mental health professional (AMHP) for an Inner London borough. She has professional experience in a variety of services including children and families, fostering and adoption, and adult services encompassing mental health. She has also been an academic tutor and practice assessor in the education and training of social workers and AMHPs. Jenny is a longstanding member of the Mental Health Tribunal and a member of the tribunal's CAMHS panel, the Care Standards Tribunal and the Upper Administrative Tribunal. She sat as a magistrate for 25 years, including in the Family Court, and has been a trustee of several mental health charities.

Dr Stephanie Tolan MRCPCH
Stephanie is a paediatric registrar in the North Central and East London Foundation School training scheme. She obtained an MA in Medical Ethics and Law from Kings College London in 2020, and is now a trainee member of the Ethics Committee at North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust. An active member of the London School of Paediatrics trainees' committee, Stephanie has a key role in their mentor system - The Paediatric Family - to support trainees throughout their training in London.

Dr Andy Cohen MRCPsych
Andy is a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist at South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust. He has worked in the field of child and adolescent mental health for over 20 years, the last 15 based in a busy community team in South West London. Andy has an interest in medical education and is the Programme Director for higher specialist training in child and adolescent psychiatry on the St George's trainee scheme.