Families Need Fathers has welcomed the Government’s response to the Family Justice Review. Although there is much work to be done to ensure that the family justice system provides better outcomes for children and families in practice, the Government’s proposals mark a clear step forward for private family law in the UK.

Families Need Fathers agrees that disputes about parenting arrangements are best settled out of court, and supports the Government’s proposals to increase the frequency and strength of private family arrangements.

However, there will always be a sizeable minority of intractable cases where court becomes unavoidable, and it is in these cases that today’s recommendations mark a positive development for the family justice system. Key proposals include the intention to introduce a legislative statement on the importance of children having an ongoing relationship with both parents following separation wherever possible, and a desire to strengthen enforcement sanctions where court orders are breached.

Ken Sanderson, CEO of Families Need Fathers, commented, “The proposals announced today will help to improve public confidence in the family justice system. By reinforcing the law’s commitment to ensure children benefit from the love and support of both parents following separation, the Government will help to ensure that it is not children who continue to be punished when acrimony between separating parents is played out in the courts.”