Child Focused Courts
The Family Court in England and Wales is changing the way it handles disputes about children.
Through the introduction of the Child Focused Courts model (previously known as the Pathfinder Pilot family court model), the court is adopting a more child-centred approach designed to place children’s welfare, experiences and voices at the heart of decision-making.
Initially introduced in selected court areas as the Pathfinder Pilot, the model is now being rolled out more widely across England and Wales. For parents involved in disputes over child arrangements, it is important to understand what these changes mean and what to expect if your case falls within the new process.
What Are Child Focused Courts?
The Child Focused Courts model applies to disputes between parents, including disputes about where a child lives, the time they spend with each parent, and other important decisions affecting their upbringing. These are the disputes our child arrangements solicitors handle every day, and the new model changes how they progress through the court.
Traditionally, court proceedings often began with a first hearing at which issues were identified and directions were given for further investigations or reports. The Child Focused Courts model takes a different approach by gathering more information at the very beginning of the case, before the first court hearing takes place.
The aim is to help the court understand the child’s circumstances and any welfare concerns as early as possible, allowing decisions to be made with a clearer picture of the family’s situation.
Why Was the System Changed?
The reforms were introduced in response to concerns that the previous process could become too focused on parental disagreements rather than the child’s experience. There were also concerns about delays, repeated hearings and the handling of domestic abuse allegations.
The Child Focused Courts model seeks to address these issues by:
Focusing on the child’s needs from the outset;
Identifying risks and safeguarding concerns earlier;
Improving responses to domestic abuse allegations; and
Reducing unnecessary court hearings and delays.
What Happens Under Child Focused Courts?
When an application is made, safeguarding checks are carried out as usual. However, there is a greater emphasis on obtaining detailed information at an early stage.
Professionals from CAFCASS (or CAFCASS Cymru in Wales) may speak to parents and gather information from relevant agencies, such as the police, local authorities, schools or healthcare providers where appropriate. This CAFCASS safeguarding process is central to how the court builds an early picture of the case.
A key feature of the process is the Child Impact Assessment, which helps the court understand:
The child’s circumstances and needs;
Any safeguarding concerns;
Family dynamics and conflict;
The impact of any domestic abuse allegations; and
The child’s wishes and feelings, where appropriate.
This information is then used to help determine the best way forward for the case.
A Greater Focus on the Child’s Voice
One of the most significant changes is the emphasis placed on hearing and understanding the child’s perspective.
This does not mean children are asked to decide the outcome of proceedings. Rather, the court seeks to ensure that their experiences, feelings and welfare needs are properly understood and considered when decisions are made.
The objective is to move away from a process driven solely by parental positions and towards one that better reflects the reality of the child’s day-to-day life.
Domestic Abuse and Safeguarding Concerns
The Child Focused Courts model also strengthens the court’s approach to domestic abuse.
Where allegations are raised, the court aims to understand not only the alleged behaviour itself but also its impact on the child and the wider family. Early identification of risks allows appropriate protective measures and assessments to be considered at a much earlier stage.
This reflects growing recognition that children can be affected by domestic abuse even when they are not directly targeted.
What Are the Benefits?
The Child Focused Courts approach is intended to deliver several benefits, including:
Earlier identification of welfare and safeguarding concerns;
Better-informed decisions for children;
Fewer court hearings;
Reduced delays; and
A less adversarial process for families.
By obtaining relevant information at the outset, the court is often in a stronger position to make decisions that promote the child’s welfare without prolonged litigation.
What Should Parents Expect?
Parents involved in Child Focused Courts cases should be prepared for more detailed enquiries early in the proceedings. It is important to provide information openly and promptly, engage constructively with professionals and remain focused on the child’s needs rather than parental conflict.
Seeking specialist legal advice can also help parents understand the process and ensure their position is presented effectively.
Conclusion
The Child Focused Courts model represents one of the most significant reforms to private children proceedings in recent years. By prioritising children’s welfare, identifying risks earlier and reducing unnecessary delays, the Family Court is moving towards a more child-centred approach. As the model continues to be rolled out across England and Wales, parents can expect a process that places the child’s voice and best interests at the heart of every decision.
How We Can Help
Our private children law solicitors at Orwins advise parents through every stage of the Child Focused Courts process, from the early safeguarding enquiries to final decisions on child arrangements. If your case falls within the new model, please contact our family team and we will be happy to guide you through what to expect.
