Status Quo frontman Francis Rossi will unlock secretive family courts to visitors in a historic first next weekend.
The Purley-based rockstar will officially welcome visitors for an open day at Croydon Family Court, organised to increase public confidence in the wake of Baby P.
Family magistrate Gerald Ellis said visitors to the court, which hears cases from families in Croydon, Sutton and Merton, would be able to take part in mock hearings including an application for an emergency care orders and for an interim care order.
The retired solicitor said agencies who work with children would also be on hand to chat to families and visitors would be able to question court staff about their roles.
Mr Ellis the objective of the day was to demonstrate how the welfare of the child was paramount in every case.
He said: “A huge amount of careful consideration goes into decision making at family courts; we don’t take our responsibility lightly at all.
“It can be an emotional time for those involved. Hopefully this open day will go some way into showing people what is involved in making a decision.”
The family court is based at Croydon Magistrates' Court, in Barclay Road, and the open day takes place on October 10 between 10am and 4pm.
No booking is required and admission is free.
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