*Re B (A child) (Private law proceedings: Child Evidence)

Family proceedings – Orders in family proceedings. In response to the father's application for contact with his son, the mother alleged domestic violence against him. She wished to call her 13 year old daughter to give evidence. The judge made an order directing that a CAFCASS adviser be appointed to meet with and interview the daughter and prepare a report for the court on whether or not it was appropriate or harmful for her to give evidence. The father appealed. The Court of Appeal, Civil Division, considered the position regarding evidence from a child who was not the subject of the proceedings and held that the judge had not erred in her approach.