Alicia Collinson

Alicia is instructed in Care proceedings of all types and at all levels, from written or conference advice in pre-proceeding and interim stages, to establishing findings of fact and getting the best outcome at welfare stage. She aims for the right conclusions at the initial hearings, so few of her cases are reported on appeal, but she is confident in the higher courts, if needed.

Her work deals with every level of emotional, physical and sexual harm facing children and their relatives, including expert evidence about neglect, causation of harm, adequacy of parenting and the prospects for change. She is very experienced in working with intermediaries, lay advocates and family members, to support vulnerable clients, where there are mental health issues, substance abuse, domestic abuse and parental alienation. She has recently dealt with sexual infection of children, infant head injury, factitious/ induced illness, exploitation of children or adults, county lines drug problems, secure accommodation and deprivation of liberty. She frequently works with interpreters where English is not a first language. Her cases often have extra ramifications, which she enjoys exploring: such as the law relating to local government, education, housing, media and immigration. She delves into regulatory issues such as Special Guardianship support packages, child in care regulations, leaving care regulations, associated judicial review and the regulation of decision making by public bodies. She is especially familiar with adoption, both international and domestic, and covers wardship and inherent jurisdiction cases. She is sensitive towards non-traditional family structures and gender issues.

Notable Public Law Children cases