Government announces national rollout of Child Focused Courts in England and Wales

Child Focused Courts, previously piloted under the name Pathfinder Courts, places children at the centre of proceedings and aims to reduce delays that can prolong family disputes and increase distress for those involved.

The decision follows a trial period in selected areas where family court backlogs were reduced significantly and cases were resolved up to seven and a half months faster. The Government says the model is designed to identify risks to children’s welfare more quickly—particularly in cases involving domestic abuse—while improving coordination between agencies such as local authorities and the police.

Currently operating in 10 of 43 court areas, including all of Wales and regions such as Birmingham, the West Midlands and West Yorkshire, the model will next be introduced in areas including Northumbria, Lancashire, Cumbria and Cheshire, before expanding further nationwide over coming years. The rollout is backed by £17 million in funding for the next financial year.

Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy said:
"Court backlogs are not just numbers on a page. When it comes to the family courts, they represent victims waiting, families in limbo and children and domestic abuse victims left to linger in harm’s way.

"That is why the national rollout of the Child Focused Courts matters so much. It will protect, support and hear the voices of children, helping family courts make safe and fair decisions without delay.

"It also shows that, through innovative reforms, we can make our courts work better, tackle delays and bring down the backlog so more victims and families get the swift justice they deserve."

The Child Focused Courts model is part of a broader programme of reform under the Government’s “Plan for Change”, which aims to address court backlogs, improve outcomes for victims, and reduce violence against women and girls.

Justice Minister Baroness Levitt KC emphasised the importance of minimising the emotional impact of prolonged proceedings on children:

"No child should have to live with fear, uncertainty or the shadow of conflict hanging over their everyday life. Behind every case is a young person who needs reassurance, protection and the chance to simply be a child.

"By rolling out Child Focused Courts nationally, we can help spare more children the pain of drawn-out proceedings, deliver swifter justice for families while making sure support comes earlier when it is needed most.

"This is about giving children and their families safety, stability and the best possible foundation for a healthy future."

Supporters of the approach, including Domestic Abuse Commissioner Dame Nicole Jacobs, have welcomed the focus on better understanding domestic abuse within family justice processes. She said:

"For too long, children and adult victims have been advocating for a family justice system that truly understands domestic abuse, listens to their concerns, and prioritises their safety.

"I’m thrilled that the government has heard their calls and taken decisive action to rollout Child Focused Courts nationally. This approach has shown that when we put children first, victims feel more supported and re-traumatisation is reduced. It is important that these outcomes are at the heart of every case concerning domestic abuse.

"The Family Court should be a place of support and protection, and I’m pleased that we are now a step closer to making this a reality."

Alongside the rollout, the Government has outlined additional measures aimed at improving the experience of children and families in the justice system. These include updates to online guidance to help separating parents resolve disputes outside court, and proposed legislative changes such as removing the presumption of parental involvement in certain cases and restricting parental responsibility for individuals convicted of serious sexual offences against children.

While the Government highlights the potential for reduced delays and improved safeguarding, the long-term impact of the reforms will likely depend on effective implementation across all regions, as well as sustained investment in court capacity and support services.

For social work professionals, the changes signal a continued shift towards child-centred practice within the family justice system, with an emphasis on earlier intervention, inter-agency collaboration, and reducing the risk of re-traumatisation for vulnerable children.