The Relational Social Work Podcast
Family Courts - ethical dilemmas with no easy answer: Lorraine Cavanagh KC
Jun 14, 2026
Season 6
Episode 8
Matt and Hannah
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This episode starts with Hannah and Matt discussing the recent Family Finding announcement from the Department of Education. Care experienced social worker and previous podcast guest, Jonny Hoyle, then drops us a message about the importance of relationships for children in care, and keeping brothers and sisters together. Matt and Hannah are then joined by Lorraine Cavanagh KC, Barrister and Head of the Family Group at St John’s Buildings. This episode explores the role of lawyers in the Family Courts, the importance of relationships, and discusses some of the key learning which can be taken from the children and families cases which Lorraine has been involved in. We explore ethical dilemmas, how legal status has a welfare consequence for children, and how the Courts examine legal arguments to reach difficult decisions, where there is often no easy answer.
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