Family Justice Report published

The new Family Justice Report was published on 3rd November 2011. This sets out recommendations for the future of the family justice system.

The Report is highly critical of delays in the family justice system, and calls for a more integrated system of organisations working together. 

There is particular criticism of the length of public law proceedings involving children. The average public law case length of one year is, in the view of the panel, "not acceptable".

The Report highlights a need for leadership and improved case management from the Judiciary. However, it also suggests Judges within the family justice system, where cases are emotionally stressful, may benefit from a new approach to peer support.

Amongst other recommendations is the setting up of an "online information hub and helpline to give information and support to couples to help them resolve issues following divorce or separation".

The Report also suggests that alternative dispute resolution methods, such as  family mediation, should become "the norm" for couples seeking remedies to disputes involving finances following relationship breakdown.

The full Report is available for download from the Ministry of Justice website. (link will open in a new window).