Report from the Ministry of Justice Expert Panel on Harm in the Family Courts
The recent report aimed to assess the risk of harm to children and parents in private law children cases
This is the final report of the expert panel as of 25/06/2020, which reflects the findings from the call for evidence. They considered over 1,200 responses from individuals and organisations across England and Wales, together with roundtables and focus groups held with professionals, parents and children. All these groups had experience of the family courts.
Most of the evidence received focused on domestic abuse.
Crucially, the report found that the family justice system is underfunded and needs investment in order to address the recommendations. The recommendations were set to improve the way family courts meet the needs of the children and families who rely on it.
The evidence received by the panel, together with the literature review, show that there are four overarching barriers to the family court’s ability to respond consistently and effectively to domestic abuse and other serious offences. One barrier highlighted was the adversarial system of court.
At Kent and Surrey Family Resolution we champion the possibility for choice and alternative dispute resolution methods, including FDR, Arbitration and mediation. There is not a “one size fits all” to resolve all separation or divorce cases with just and fair outcomes.
You can read the full report at the Ministry of Justice website by clicking here.