‘We welcome these reforms of the family justice system and look forward to the roll out across the country.
Whilst supporting litigants in person over the last three years, we’ve seen the stress that parents experience in the family courts. Many arrive at our door exhausted and at their wits’ end, struggling to navigate a complex system without legal advice. We particularly welcome the emphasis on putting the wishes and welfare of children at the centre of the system. It’s so important that children feel safe, heard and supported.
On top of this, speeding up processes should reduce the associated anxiety for parents waiting for resolution. Measures that reduce court backlogs are welcome.
There will always be a very real need to support litigants in person. The legal system is complex and can be difficult to navigate. We have found that the practical support we provide not only helps our clients to understand the processes, but also helps them to meet the expectations of the court. This has helped them feel heard and more confident that the system is fair.’
Steve Parker, CEO, CASS+
Context behind this announcement
In July 2025, the government published an evaluation called Families First for Children Pathfinder Programme. This makes recommendations for these improvements.
Pilot Pathfinder Courts
A recent government report presents the findings of the evaluation and financial analysis of the Pathfinder Pilot Courts in Dorset, Birmingham, North Wales, Hampshire, Isle of Wight and West Yorkshire. These pilots have been running since February 2022 but will now be called Child Focussed Courts.
Child Focused Courts
Additionally, the Child Focused Court model takes a new approach to proceedings in the family court.
Child Focussed Courts in 10 out of 43 court areas
Child Focused Courts currently operate in 10 of 43 court areas in England and Wales, including all of Wales, Birmingham, the West Midlands, Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and West Yorkshire.
New model to be rolled out
With £17m in Government funding committed for the next financial year, the new model will be rolled out across Northumbria and North Durham, Cleveland and South Durham, Lancashire, Cumbria, York and North Yorkshire, Cheshire and Merseyside, Northamptonshire, and Coventry and Warwickshire. After that, it will expand across the rest of England and Wales.
Putting children at the heart
For the first time, the court will receive more information about the child from the outset, including their wishes and feelings.
Benefits of the Child Focussed Courts
On top of this, the new model aims at reducing the time taken to reach resolution.
Supporting people going through family court
We’ve been supporting people through the family courts in Devon and Cornwall since August 2023. Since then, we have been here for people who can’t afford a solicitor and are unable to access Legal Aid. This service has gone from strength to strength. Thanks to the Access to Justice Foundation and the Ministry of Justice, we are able to continue supporting litigants in person until the end of September 2026.
Recent statistics
Between April and December 2025, we supported 397 people through the family courts in Exeter, Newton Abbot, Plymouth, Bodmin and Truro. We are thankful to the Ministry of Justice for recently confirming the funding for us to continue this service for families in Devon and Cornwall.
Find out more: our stories
Our work inside the Family Courts in Devon and Cornwall has recently been evaluated by the Centre for Justice Innovation. Read the full report here.
Watch the film about how we supported Lee* through family court here.
Find out how we helped Amber* when she was at her wits’ end going through the family court here.
*Names changed to protect identity.