New courts announced to protect children from trauma

Thousands more children are set to receive faster protection under plans to expand Child Focused Courts across England and Wales. 

The Deputy Prime Minister confirmed on Tuesday 17th March that the model – previously known as Pathfinder Courts – will be rolled out nationally. 

Trialled in several areas, the system reportedly cut backlogs by half and resolved cases up to seven and a half months sooner, reducing the time children spend in hearings. 

The government also said the courts will improve coordination between judges, local authorities and the police, particularly in cases involving domestic abuse.

Separate research shows 62% of private family court cases involve allegations of domestic abuse, and many survivors report feeling unsupported and unsafe during these proceedings. 

David Lammy, Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary, said: ‘Court backlogs are not just numbers on a page. When it comes to the family courts, they represent victims waiting, families in limbo and children and domestic abuse victims left to linger in harm’s way.’

The courts currently operate in 10 of 43 areas, including all of Wales, Birmingham, the West Midlands, Dorset, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and West Yorkshire.

Government funding of £17m will support initial expansion across Northumbria, Cleveland, Lancashire, Cumbria, York, Cheshire, Northamptonshire and Coventry.

Justice Minister Baroness Levitt KC said: ‘No child should have to live with fear, uncertainty or the shadow of conflict hanging over their everyday life. By rolling out Child Focused Courts nationally, we can help spare more children the pain of drawn-out hearings, deliver swifter justice for families while making sure support comes earlier when it is needed most.’

Domestic Abuse Commissioner Dame Nicole Jacobs added: ‘I’m thrilled that the government has heard their calls and taken decisive action to rollout Child Focused Courts nationally. When we put children first, victims feel more supported and re-traumatisation is reduced.’

The expansion is part of a wider programme to improve family justice, including better guidance for parents on child arrangements outside court. 

The changes include the Courts and Tribunals Bill, which would remove the presumption that children should always have parental involvement. Courts will now consider each case to decide what is in the child’s best interests.

Image: Tingey Injury Law Firm/UnSplash

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