Government to Roll Out Child‑Focused Family Courts Across England and Wales to Reduce Delays

What Are Child Focused Courts?

A new approach to family court proceedings aimed at reducing delays and improving outcomes for children is to be rolled out across England and Wales, the government has announced. The model, known as “Child Focused Courts”, has been piloted in a number of areas and will now be expanded nationwide following what ministers describe as improved case resolution times.

Pilot Results: Faster Case Resolution and Reduced Backlogs

According to Ministry of Justice figures, cases in pilot areas were resolved up to seven and a half months faster, with court backlogs also reduced. The approach is designed to place greater emphasis on identifying risks to children at an earlier stage, including concerns such as domestic abuse, while streamlining the handling of cases.

The model also seeks to improve coordination between the courts and external agencies, including local authorities and the police, particularly where allegations of harm are involved. The intention is to reduce delays and limit the number of cases returning to court.

A Nationwide Rollout: Areas Included in the Next Phase

At present, the system operates in 10 of the 43 family court areas in England and Wales. The government has confirmed that the next phase of the rollout will include regions such as Northumbria, Lancashire, Cumbria and North Yorkshire, with further expansion planned in subsequent years.

Why the Changes Matter for Children and Families

Justice Secretary David Lammy said the changes were intended to address delays in the family justice system, stating that

“court backlogs are not just numbers on a page… they represent victims waiting, families in limbo and children and domestic abuse victims left to linger in harm’s way.”

The rollout forms part of a broader programme of reform to the family justice system, including proposed changes to the Children Act 1989 and measures aimed at improving support for victims.
While the pilot results suggest improvements in efficiency, the long-term impact of the model will depend on how consistently it can be implemented across the wider court system.

Need clarity on how the new child‑focused model affects Children Act proceedings?

Our Family Team has extensive experience in complex child arrangements and court cases involving risk assessments, domestic abuse allegations and multi‑agency input. To find out more, you can visit our Children and Child Arrangements page, or contact us directly to speak with a Family Law solicitor.

About the Author

Victoria is an Associate Solicitor in Machins’ Family Law team, based in Luton and Berkhamsted. She advises on all aspects of family law, with particular experience in private children matters and divorce and financial proceedings. Clients value her empathetic, pragmatic approach and focus on achieving effective, cost‑efficient outcomes.