Children to get swifter justice as new family court approach expands nationally

The UK government has announced a nationwide rollout of Child Focused Courts, a new family court model designed to deliver faster decisions and better protect children from harm. 

Following successful trials in selected areas, where backlogs were halved and cases resolved up to seven and a half months quicker, the system will now expand across England and Wales.

The initiative aims to reduce the trauma children face during lengthy and adversarial court proceedings by identifying risks—such as domestic abuse—earlier and streamlining processes. It also improves coordination between courts, local authorities, and police, helping to prevent repeat cases and provide quicker support to vulnerable families.

Currently operating in 10 regions, the model will expand further with £17 million in funding, beginning with several new areas before reaching nationwide coverage in the coming years. Officials say the reform is central to broader efforts to tackle domestic abuse, reduce court delays, and improve outcomes for victims.

Additional measures include legal reforms prioritising children’s safety over parental rights, removing parental responsibility from serious offenders, and introducing a more accessible Victims Code for children. Overall, the changes aim to create a more supportive, efficient justice system that protects children and delivers faster, fairer outcomes for families.