Wardship and inherent jurisdiction in children cases – 2025 update

Family and children law practitioners frequently encounter the concept of Wardship and the potential invocation of the High Court’s Inherent Jurisdiction. But what do these principles entail in practice?

This webinar will provide a detailed examination of their application, including the necessary procedural requirements and the circumstances in which they may be invoked. While these mechanisms can offer effective remedies where case law or statute is insufficient, they can also be contentious and may involve urgent applications. The webinar will explore their use in both private and public law contexts, equipping you with essential knowledge for navigating these complex legal frameworks.

Topics covered include:

• Use of wardship: what is this and how does it work in practice?
• How does wardship link in with the inherent jurisdiction?
• When should you consider wardship rather than a specific issue application?
• Wardship and private children law matters
• Which forms have to be completed, and how to go about the process of applying?
• Inherent jurisdiction and duty to consult parents: when is a parent not to be notified of proceedings?
• Disputes over vaccinations and parental responsibility- should I apply under Wardship or a specific issue order?
• Use of inherent jurisdiction in matters relating to injunctions and personal protection
• Wardship and name of child
• Inherent jurisdiction and detention under MHA 1983 – consideration of A Local Authority  v PR 2024 EWHC 2964 (Fam)
• Child sexual exploitation cases and use of wardship – developments in this area
• Consideration of secure accommodation, wardship and deprivation of liberty – how has the law developed in this area and what if the appropriate application is not made?
• Use of section 33(3) CA 1989, DOL applications and implications of Re J 2024 EWHC 1690 and Court of Appeal decision in 2025
• Practice guidance about transition of matters from national DOL list to court of protection – January 2025
• Inherent jurisdiction and matters related to nationality