New inquiry into the working of the Family Courts

The Justice Select Committee is to launch an inquiry into the operation of the family courts, it was announced yesterday.

The Committee is calling for written evidence and is particularly interested in receiving evidence which addresses the following issues:

i) The effect of Cafcass's operations on court proceedings, and the impact on the courts of the sponsorship of Cafcass by the Department of Education;

ii) The impact on court proceedings and access to justice of recent and proposed changes to legal aid;

iii) The role, operation and resourcing of mediation and other methods in resolving matters before they reach court;

iv) Confidentiality and openness in family courts, including the impact of the recent changes in the Children, Schools and Families Act 2010.

For guidance on how to submit evidence, click here. The deadline for submissions is 13 September 2010.