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Views on how the family justice system can do its best to protect children and help families to work through their disagreements are being sought by a panel of experts.

The Family Justice Review Panel, appointed by the Ministry of Justice, the Department for Education, and the Welsh Assembly Government, recently launched a ‘Call for Evidence’ so that anyone with an interest in the family justice system can contribute their views on how it can work better in the future.

This is part of a fundamental review of the system announced by the Government in the coalition agreement. The Review will be comprehensive in scope including looking at how to improve use of mediation and provide better access rights to non-resident parents and grandparents. The ‘Call for Evidence’ is seeking views on key areas of the family justice system including how to have a more user-friendly and child-focused system; the best methods of resolving family disputes, using alternatives to legal process, and how the system is governed, managed, and funded.

Questions the Panel is seeking views on include:

• How can the justice system focus more on helping family members to reach agreement rather than pitting them against each other?
• How best can the courts working with other agencies support children involved in the care system?
• How best can the system provide greater contact rights to non-resident parents and grandparents?

The evidence will be carefully considered and used to inform the Review’s recommendations on how to improve the system.

David Norgrove, the Chair of the Review said:

'The family justice system is vitally important, attempting to resolve some of the most difficult issues in our society. I and my Panel colleagues are determined to help create a better system to serve the needs of those who use it. We are also being challenged to find ways of doing more with less.

'We cannot do this alone. The launch of this call for evidence today is the start of a dialogue with all those involved in the system – from the children and families who use these services, to the wide range of professionals.
'We are ambitious in what we want to achieve; we would encourage as many people as possible to be ambitious in their responses.'

Justice Minister Jonathan Djanogly said:

'The family justice system bravely tackles some of the most challenging and difficult issues in our society. It protects children from harm, and helps families to get through complex and sometimes very damaging personal situations. We must do all we can to help the system to work as effectively as possible for those who need it.

'It is over 20 years since the introduction of the Children Act 1989 and whilst areas of child welfare and wellbeing have been the subject of reform, there has been no fundamental review of the family justice system. Now, more than ever, we need a family justice system that supports people in need as efficiently as possible, and this is what the Panel’s work will help us achieve.

'The work of the Family Justice Panel will be invaluable in building towards a family justice system we can all be proud of. I urge as many people and organisations as possible to consider the questions the Panel asks and make sure they hear your views.'

Children’s Minister Tim Loughton said:

'Family relationships play a very important part in a child’s development and wellbeing. Sometimes relationships break down and that is when families need extra help and support, especially children, who can often be caught up in the centre of disputes. The courts also have a very important role to play in protecting vulnerable children when their parents can not look after them.

'The proposed review needs to go further with renewed urgency. It will have broader scope including access rights for grandparents and non resident fathers. I am delighted that Shireen Ritchie has agreed to join the Panel as she brings further expertise and gravitas to this important review.

'We need to simplify the family justice system and get rid of the bureaucracy that surrounds it to make sure it is working for the benefit of children, and promoting good family relationships. As part of this call for evidence we will listen to the needs of children going through difficult family relationships'

Welsh Deputy Minister for Social Services, Gwenda Thomas AM added:

'A wide range of professionals play a crucial role in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children at risk of harm and in supporting families experiencing separation. It is important that the workforce has the skills and capacity to deliver, that the voices of children and families are heard and listened to within an equitable and accountable family justice system.

'This review provides a distinctive opportunity to shape and improve services around vulnerable families during these difficult and stressful times and I encourage practitioners and individuals to engage with and contribute to the call for evidence.'

Ministers also announced today that Baroness Ritchie of Brompton, chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, will join the panel. She has a wealth of experience in children’s issues and will provide valuable additional support for the panel as they take this now fully comprehensive review forward.

The final report from the review panel will be published next year.

Related information

• Family justice review