Following the publication of the UK Government response to the Family Justice Review in England and Wales, a major programme is underway to reform the family justice system which aims to strengthen parenting, tackle delays and simplify the current system.
In Wales, the establishment of a Family Justice Network was announced by the Deputy Minister for Social Services and Children to deliver improvements in the service and outcomes for children and families who come into contact with the system in Wales.
The network brings together key partners in the family justice system in Wales to work together to:
- secure the commitment of key agencies within devolved aspects of the family justice system in Wales to deliver specific actions from the Family Justice Review;
- provide a forum to share best practice, whilst build improved relationships and greater cross-agency coherence, tackle variations in local performance and practice; and
- provide a link between the Family Justice Board at the England and Wales level and local family justice operational boards in Wales, which will oversee the operation of family justice in their local areas.
Membership of the network includes representation from CAFCASS Cymru, the Children’s Commissioner, Local Government, Police, Legal Services Commission, HMCTS and the judiciary as observers.
Deputy Minister Gwenda Thomas said:
“Improving the safeguarding and welfare of children and young people is central to our Programme for Government and my vision for Sustainable Social Services for Wales.
“We are working towards a family justice system which delivers an effective service to children and families in a timely and responsive way.
“I’d like to thank the members for accepting the invitation to join the network and taking the lead in driving the reform of the Wales aspects of our family justice system.”
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