Summary
The UK's family courts are shifting to a child-focused system, aiming to better consider children's perspectives in cases involving parents. This new approach has been piloted since 2022 in 10 areas and will expand to all 43 court centers in England and Wales over the next three years. The initiative includes increased funding and personnel to support quicker and more effective resolution of family court cases.
Key Facts
- The UK's family courts will adopt a child-focused approach to resolve disputes between parents.
- The new system aims to prioritize children's voices and needs in legal proceedings.
- It has been tested in 10 areas since 2022 and will be expanded nationwide in three years.
- Thousands of parents in England and Wales will be affected by these changes.
- Cuts to legal aid have caused many parents to represent themselves in court.
- Reports from social workers will be presented to judges early in the process.
- The government provided £17 million for the first year of the new system.
- More funding and more social workers are needed to support the new system's expansion.
