Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Protection of Children: Family Courts

Tuesday 16 May 2023 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Work on the review to protect children in family courts is ongoing.
  • The presumption for parental involvement must ensure children's rights are protected.
  • A firm publication date for the review is being sought and will be communicated in writing shortly.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Dan Jarvis Lab Barnsley North
Children & Families
Context

The MP is concerned about the safety of children in family court proceedings, particularly in cases involving domestic abuse. He references a tragic case where two boys were murdered by their father after maintaining contact with him.

Question

What steps are being taken to protect children in the family courts? I am grateful for the response. Jack and Paul were killed by their father following a court ruling that maintained contact between them, highlighting fatal consequences of the presumption for parental involvement in cases of domestic abuse. The review promised two years ago is crucial; when will it be published?

Answer from Mike Freer

Work on the review is ongoing and requires careful consideration due to its complexities. The presumption for parental involvement must ensure children's rights are protected. I am pushing for a firm publication date, which will be communicated in writing shortly.

Partly answered

How: Work Is Under Way, Review Has To Be Carefully Considered

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Q2 Dan Jarvis Lab Barnsley North
Safeguarding & DBS Children & Families
Context

The MP continues his concern over the safety of children in family court proceedings, especially where there is a risk of domestic abuse. He emphasizes the critical importance of the review which was supposed to be published two years ago.

Question

Jack and Paul were murdered by their father after being allowed contact with him following a ruling. The presumption for parental involvement in cases of domestic abuse can lead to fatal consequences, as evidenced by this case. Given that the review was due two years ago, children's lives depend on it; when will the findings be published?

Answer from Mike Freer

The review is currently under way and needs careful consideration. The presumption for parental involvement must protect children's rights. I am seeking a stronger date for publication, which will be communicated in writing shortly.

Partly answered

How: Review Has To Be Carefully Considered, Work Is Under Way

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