‘Complicated’ family justice system lets down children

The ‘complicated’ family justice system is letting children down and not giving families the service they need.

A review of the system by a Government appointed panel, finds the system needing reform.

After a year of research with children, parents and people working in the family justice system, a series of proposals are now being put for public consultation.

Chair of the Family Justice Review panel, David Norgrove said that children are the most important people caught in the system, and that currently, family justice is under ‘huge strain’.

He said: “Cases take far too long and delays are likely to rise. Children can wait well over a year for their futures to be settled. This is shocking.

“Our recommendations aim to tackle these issues, to bring greater coherence through organisational change and better management, making the system more able to cope with current and future pressures and to divert more issues away from court where appropriate.”

For more information, and to read recommendations in full, visit: www.justice.gov.uk/reviews/family-justice-intro.htm

The twelve week consultation is due to close on 23 June 2011.