
In recent years, the family courts have encountered several challenges including the disruption caused by Covid-19, the post-pandemic catch up in casework, and the overall rise in the number of children in the care system.
Despite the post-pandemic decline in care applications, the length of proceedings has grown with less than a quarter now being completed within the target timescale – an issue widely blamed on cuts to family courts slowing down decision making processes.
The decline in orders being made reflects local efforts by children’s services departments and charities to work more intensively with families on the edge of care to prevent proceedings being needed. Children’s services leaders hope the emphasis on early help in the Care Review reforms will embed such practice nationally.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here