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| Tel: 01392 454 940 | Fax: 01392 491 658 |
| help@devonfamilysolutions.co.uk | www.devonfamilysolutions.co.uk |
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| Dear Colleague, |
Welcome to the March edition of the Devon Family Solutions Newsletter. We hope that you continue to find this a useful way of keeping in touch with news and developments at the Agency.
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You may be aware that firms tendering for the new Family Law Contract from the LSC need to provide evidence that they have systems in place for referrals to mediation and other support agencies. We are happy to provide a letter confirming that these arrangements are in place. Please contact Ruth Hartley, Office Manager on 01392 454940 if you would like us to provide this.
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Topic of the Month: Green Paper - Part 2
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The inter-governmental Green Paper “Support for All” acknowledges what workers in the family justice system have known for years; that the best outcomes for children are achieved where separated parents are able to work together. The Government proposes to support this in a number of ways. Firstly they propose providing a specific guide for children whose parents are separated, and clearer information on a range of support services for adults, including a finance guide for separating parents. More significantly, the Government proposes piloting “Parenting Together Apart” sessions, where couples have made the decision to separate. These will be offered at the early stages of separation, and are based on the apparent success of court-ordered Parenting Information Programmes, although these have yet to be fully evaluated.
The Green Paper also indicates support for increasing the scope of mediation in family breakdown. It refers to research carried out by Gingerbread which indicates that there is still a general lack of awareness about the availability of mediation, and what it can offer to separating couples. In light of this the government proposes to promote mediation online, and to look at other ways of promoting mediation. It is consulting on whether mediation should be made compulsory for parents who commence court proceedings, if this would be safe for all concerned. The government also proposes to work with the Family Mediation Council to develop accreditation schemes for mediators.
Perhaps the most radical proposal is a thorough review of the family justice system. The review will focus on two main elements; how efficiently the family justice system is run, and what can be done to promote early and fair settlements in family disputes, so as to avoid the need to go to court. The review will be carried out by a panel chaired by David Norgrove, the current Chair of the Pensions Regulator and the Low Pay Commission. Other panel members include Mr Justice McFarlane, John Coughlan CBE, Director of Children's Services at Hampshire County Council, Dame Gillian Pugh, Chair of the National Children's Bureau, and Keith Towler, the Children's Commissioner for Wales. The panel will take evidence from children and from focus groups as well as family justice professionals, and is due to report its recommendations in 2011.
The government is seeking response on the question of whether mediation assessments should be made compulsory. Responses need to be made by 21 April, and can be made via email at supportforall.consultation@dcsf.gsi.gov.uk
Sources: “Fairness for all” (Department for Children Schools & Families, 2010). Family Law Newswatch Feb 18th 2010. |
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Situated directly opposite King William Street car park in Longbrook Street, just a few minutes walk from Exeter City Centre and close to transport links
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| Contact Details |
| Suite 3 First Floor, Hampton House, 23 Longbrook Street, Exeter, EX4 6AB Tel: 01392 454 940 | Fax: 01392 491 658 |
| help@devonfamilysolutions.co.uk | www.devonfamilysolutions.co.uk |
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