For immediate release – December 17th 2008

 Victory for justice as family courts are opened up – Families Need Fathers Press Release

 

-          Media to be allowed access to all levels of family courts in significant step forward for Families Need Fathers

 

-          Changes will improve transparency, accountability and overall understanding of family justice system

In a change long campaigned for by Families Need Fathers (FNF), Justice Secretary Jack Straw yesterday announced plans which would see the media being allowed access to the family courts for the first time. 

Secrecy in the family courts has been an issue for Families Need Fathers for many years and the change will offer progress for those seeking to ensure parents and children do not have their relationships unnecessarily restricted.

Children’s privacy will continue to be protected as Judges will have the discretion to impose further reporting restrictions, or to relax them for an individual case if appropriate. Restrictions on publishing details which would identify children involved in cases remain in place.

FNF is also pleased that pilot projects will be launched in spring 2009 to provide greater information on court proceedings. In Wolverhampton, Leeds and Cardiff, families will be provided with a written judgment where a Final Order is made and selected cases where the decision has a significant impact on a child will have anonymised judgments published.

Families Need Fathers Chief Executive Jon Davies said “This represents a massive victory for families and for accountable justice. Having campaigned for over thirty years on this issue, Families Need Fathers is extremely pleased that the family justice system will be subject to similar levels of outside scrutiny as other areas of the system.”

“The family courts are not the place where most family disputes should end up and these measures may encourage more people to realise that. We also believe that, despite some alarmist reactions, children will continue to be protected.”

Ministry of Justice Press Release - http://www.justice.gov.uk/news/newsrelease161208b.htm

-  ENDS -

Families Need Fathers (FNF) is a registered charity providing information and support on shared parenting issues arising from family breakdown, and support to divorced and separated parents, irrespective of gender or marital status. Our primary concern is the maintenance of the child’s relationship with both parents. Founded in 1974, FNF helps thousands of parents every year.

For comment or information please contact:

Nick Barnard, Director of Communications 07979 206 384

Jon Davies, FNF CEO 07976 935 986

Becky Sibert, Policy & Information Officer 020 7613 5060

John Baker, FNF Trustee 07881 644 917