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Children and Adoption Bill [HL]

I thank the noble Earl, Lord Howe, for raising that point. I recognise its fundamental importance. Dame Elizabeth Butler-Sloss explores this question in her evidence and it is one that arises again with parenting orders. The idea of imposing on families a duty to attend meetings which, while not by nature medical, go into this difficult area. If these families do not get the professional help they need, they may tear each other apart for years and, in the process, cause harm to their children. On the other hand, one must be careful not to undermine the right of the individual to make their own choices. It may be that a compromise can be reached between the two. Just as there are two assessment sessions for mediation, perhaps there could be a couple of meetings with a relevant professional to explore issues before they go further. I recognise that the amendment is probing in nature, but I can see why the noble Earl has felt it necessary to express his concern.