Thousands of children in limbo – is there a way forward?

Sally Bradley, Barrister, 4PB

In this article, Sally Bradley, Barrister at specialist family law chambers 4PB outlines the reasons for the increase in Family Court delays and its impact on the welfare of children. Referencing recent key data, she questions whether the justice system can credibly claim to be applying the welfare and best interest principles enshrined in s 1(2) of the Children Act 1989.

Sally examines how the delays are compounded by multiple factors including the lack of streamlined Court processes, cutbacks on legal aid funding, shortage of judges, and insufficient integration between the various child-related agencies. She observes that the increase in litigants in person (LiPs), and limited access to early support services like parenting programmes and NCDR are also contributing factors.

Sally highlights that the current state of affairs is causing grave harm to the children that the family justice system was meant to protect, and calls for reform to be an immediate priority.

The full article has published in the March issue of Family Law.  Find out more or request a free 1-week trial of Family Law journal. Please quote: 100482

Read the full article here.