Comment on the Timeliness of Proceedings in the Family Court

Jenny Coles, Chair of the ADCS Families, Communities and Young People Policy Committee, said:
“These figures are testament to the hard work of local authorities and the courts. Since 2013 the average time taken to conclude care proceedings has reduced by almost 10 weeks, and although we are still slightly above the target some great progress has been made. However, this particular table reflects the national picture and some local areas are routinely achieving an average time of under 26 weeks. The reason the time taken to complete proceedings is reducing is that the whole system has worked together to deliver more timely justice for families. Local authorities are carrying out more effective pre-proceedings work; courts are using experts in a different way; and there is a growing emphasis, across the board, on problem-solving rather than being tied by rigid procedure. The specific initiatives being led by councils include Family Group Conferences whereby children and their families jointly find solutions to the issues they face and an increase in the use of concurrent planning. Ultimately, we must do what is in the best interest of each child; there will be some more complex cases in which it won’t be possible to meet the required timescales and it is important that all decisions are made to secure the very best outcomes for each child and young person even if this does result in further delays.”
ENDS
Related Articles
ADCS submission to the independent call for evidence on children’s residential...
In Residential Care
ADCS response to the consultation on the corporate parenting principles, local...
In Care Leavers
Response to the latest Cafcass care demand statistics
In General Care
Comment on the latest care demand statistics from Cafcass
In General Care
“Our need for carers, from all walks of life, continues to grow” – Alison...
In Fostering
Comment on the publication of the OCC’s new Stability Index 2018
In General Care
The guidance has been developed in response to the need to agree a clear...
In Family Justice
Report from the Centre for Research on Children and Families at the...
In Family Justice
Education Policy Institute report on vulnerable children and social care in...