Family justice review seeks children's voices

A guide drawn up by children’s rights director Roger Morgan has been published today (3 June) in an attempt to gather the opinions of children over the proposed reforms of the family justice system.

The guide accompanies the review panel’s interim report published in March, which proposes absorbing the role of Cafcass into a new court social work service among its recommendations.

David Norgrove, chair of the panel, said: "Children are the most important people in the family justice system and it is vital that they have a voice in shaping its future. The publication of the Young Person’s Guide gives them this opportunity and the panel will carefully consider what they say.

"Our recommendations aim to bring children to the forefront by creating greater coherence through organisational change and better management, making the system more able to cope with current and future pressures and diverting more issues away from court where appropriate."

The guide was developed following discussions between Morgan and young people.

Morgan said: "It is essential that children and young people are told about proposals that will directly affect them and that they are given a voice in the decisions which are made about their future."

The Office of the Children’s Commissioner is also holding a series of events for children to consider how young people can be heard in family court work and improve the experience for children.

Sue Berelowitz, deputy children’s commissioner, said: "We are committed to promote, protect and realise the right of children and to have their views listened to and taken seriously on matters affecting them. This is why we are gathering views through a series of group participation sessions with children and young people who have been involved in the family justice system. It will help inform the panel’s response to the Family Justice Review."

The consultation closes on 23 June and the panel will make its final recommendations to government in the autumn.