Respecting the child's right to family and private life - online and in person training from CLC

Delivered by: Laura Vance, BL and Hannah Newburn, Solicitor, CLC

The European Convention on Human Rights and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child place clear obligations on the state to respect children’s privacy, identity, expression, and family connections. Yet often these rights are interfered with and not upheld.

This training explores how the right to private and family life operates across legal processes involving children, including child protection, family proceedings, and decision-making by public authorities. We examine what “interference” with this right actually looks like: information sharing, assessments, removal from home, contact decisions, court orders, and the long-term impact of legal records.

Participants will look at key legal principles, proportionality, necessity, alongside the child’s right to be heard in decisions affecting their family life.

Designed for legal professionals, decision-makers, and practitioners working within statutory systems, this session will strengthen your ability to analyse decisions through a children’s rights lens.

This course carries verified CPD points for both Solicitors and Barristers.

Laura Vance, BL was called to the Bar of Northern Ireland in 2006 and the New York Bar in 2007. A graduate of Trinity College Dublin, she specialises in complex family and matrimonial law.

She is a leading expert in matters involving the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995, including residence disputes, wardship, and adoption. Her advocacy extends across all levels of the legal system, from the Domestic Proceedings Court to the High Court. 

Known for her strategic and compassionate approach, she also contributes to practice areas including Judicial Review and Human Rights, making her a central figure in Northern Ireland's family justice system.

Hannah Newburn is a solicitor at the Children’s Law Centre, where she works within the legal team to advocate for the rights of children and young people. She previously worked in family law matters such as child contact, residence, and domestic violence proceedings. She completed her professional training with distinction before dedicating her practice to protecting vulnerable minors in the legal system.

The session will be delivered online and in-person. In all of our events, when people attend in person, connections are made which can often lead to collaborative efforts and a strengthening of networks. To that end, tea, coffee and refreshments are offered gratis and we would encourage you to take advantage of the added benefits that coming in person brings.

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An invoice can be provided, please email paulhamilton@childrenslawcentre.org

Substantial discount is offered to members of CLC. Click here to become a member: Children's Law Centre