Child-focused courts are set to be rolled out nationally across England and Wales following the success of pilot schemes in Dorset, Bournemouth, West Yorkshire, Wales, Birmingham, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Stoke, Staffordshire, the Black Country, Shropshire, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
The model represents a significant shift in the handling of private law children proceedings under the Children Act 1989. It applies to applications for Child Arrangements Orders, Specific Issue Orders, Prohibited Steps Orders and applications to enforce existing Child Arrangements Orders.
At its heart is a simple principle: the child should remain central to every stage of the court process.
The new framework seeks to reduce parental conflict, encourage earlier resolution of disputes and ensure that decisions are informed by the child’s needs, experiences and welfare.
Key Changes Under the Child-Focused Court Model
The new model aims to:
- place the child’s welfare at the centre of proceedings
- introduce an early Child Impact Report
- identify safeguarding issues sooner
- reduce delay through earlier judicial case management
- resolve suitable cases more quickly where possible
How the Child-Focused Court Model Works
Stage 1: Application and Case Management
Parties are still required to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) before issuing proceedings. The purpose of the MIAM is to determine whether mediation may help resolve the dispute without court intervention. Where mediation is unsuitable, or an exemption applies, a certificate will be issued allowing the application to proceed.
Once an application has been made and proceedings are issued, a Case Progression Officer (CPO) is allocated to oversee the administrative management of the case, ensuring compliance with directions and timetables. In enforcement applications, the court will seek to allocate the matter to the same judge where possible to promote consistency.
Stage 2: The Child Impact Report
A key feature of the Child-Focused Court model is the early preparation of a Child Impact Report by either CAFCASS or the local authority.
The report provides the court with a detailed assessment of the child’s circumstances, welfare needs and, where appropriate, wishes and feelings. To prepare the report, enquiries may be made with agencies such as schools, healthcare professionals, the police and social services. Where domestic abuse concerns arise, specialist risk assessments may also be undertaken.
The report typically addresses:
- The child’s wishes and feelings;
- Relevant family background;
- Existing support and interventions;
- Welfare and risk considerations; and
- Recommendations to assist the court.
The report is typically completed within 40 days and enables the court to identify issues and safeguarding concerns at an early stage.
Stage 3: Judicial Review and Decision Hearing
Once the Child Impact Report has been filed, a judge or legal adviser reviews the case and determines how it should progress.
The court will consider whether interim arrangements are required, whether additional safeguarding measures are necessary and whether the matter is ready for a Decision Hearing.
The Decision Hearing is often the parties’ first substantive court attendance. In many cases, the court can determine the application at this stage using the Child Impact Report and written evidence, without the need for oral evidence. This approach is intended to reduce delay, minimise conflict and focus proceedings on the child’s welfare.
Stage 4: Final Hearing
Where disputes remain unresolved or further evidence is required, the matter will proceed to a Final Hearing.
The court may hear oral evidence from the parties and relevant professionals, including CAFCASS officers or local authority representatives where their recommendations are challenged. Following consideration of all evidence, the court will make a final determination based on the welfare of the child, which remains the paramount consideration.
Reducing Delay for Children
Historically, child arrangements disputes have often taken between 9 and 18 months to conclude, with complex cases taking even longer. Early indications from the pilot scheme suggest that many cases are reaching a decision stage within four to six months, subject to complexity and safeguarding concerns.
While not every case will conclude within this timeframe, the streamlined process is intended to provide greater certainty, stability and quicker outcomes for children and families.
National Rollout of the Child-Focused Court Model
Following the success of the pilot scheme, the Child-Focused Model will continue its phased rollout during the 2026–2027 financial year, extending to Northumbria and North Durham, Cleveland and South Durham, Lancashire, Cumbria, York and North Yorkshire, Cheshire and Merseyside, Northamptonshire, and Coventry and Warwickshire.
The expansion marks a significant step towards the wider adoption of a family justice framework that places children’s welfare, experiences and voices at the centre of decision-making, while promoting earlier resolution of disputes and reducing the impact of conflict on families.
How O’Donnell Solicitors Can Help
Obtaining legal advice at an early stage can help identify the most appropriate route to resolution, whether through, mediation or court proceedings. If you are considering making an application to the Family Court, get in touch with a member of our family team on 01457 761 320, or email us at enquire@odonnellsolicitors.co.uk.