The Government has recently announced that The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) will expand Pathfinder Courts, renamed Child Focused Court across England and Wales with £17m in next year’s funding and that the pilot courts have reduced family court backlogs and expedited case resolution. The rollout will extend to multiple regions and eventually cover all of England and Wales. The process aims to enhance coordination between family courts and agencies, especially in cases involving domestic abuse, with hopes for fewer cases returning after Pathfinder intervention.
The Government has emphasised the importance of reducing backlogs for victims and families, highlighting reforms to make courts more efficient and responsive.
Clearly, consideration needs to be given to increasing legal aid funding, especially in cases where some domestic abuse survivors are left unrepresented, as it is understood that the pilot improves outcomes for those who receive representation.
Additional reforms include repealing the presumption of parental involvement and introducing a child-friendly “Victims’ Code”, as part of broader efforts to protect children and victims.
The Child Focused Courts are aimed to ensure the Child Impact Report’s role in focusing proceedings on child welfare, which aims to prioritise children’s safety and achieve quicker, lasting resolutions, ultimately providing children stability and a healthy future. Although the aim of Child Focused Courts is to help domestic abuse victims feel more supported and reduce re-traumatisation it remains to be seen whether this is achieved on balance, given the objective of Child Focus Courts is to expedite the conclusion of children proceedings.
To discuss any of the above, please contact Sahida Ahmed.sahidaahmed@bexleybeaumont.com | 07702 021351