Top family judge to give evidence to the Committee
The Committee will take evidence on the three ‘pillars’ of the family justice system – the courts, Cafcass and children’s services.
Meeting details
At 3:00pm: Private discussion
Inquiry
Children and Families Act 2014
At 3:15pm: Oral evidence
Inquiry
Children and Families Act 2014
President at Family Division
Chief Executive at CAFCASS
President at Association of Directors of Children’s Services
Likely questions to include:
- What aspects of the adoption and family justice sections of the Act were you concerned about when it was passed? Have those concerns been borne out since?
- What is needed to ensure the family justice system operates as a cohesive and easy-to-navigate system?
- Is the 26-week timeframe in care cases important and achievable? What is being done to improve adherence to 26-weeks across England and Wales?
- How can we ensure fewer care cases escalate to the point of needing court intervention?
- How has the presumption of the involvement of both parents in the life of the child after family separation affected proceedings? Should the presumption be changed?
- How do we ensure that the right private law cases are in court, and the right cases are being resolved by alternative means?
- What impact have Mediation Information & Assessment Meetings (MIAMs) had?
- Is the voice of the child sufficiently heard in the family justice system?