Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Family Justice: Better Protections for Children

22 October 2025 · Ministry of Justice

Proposed by Alex Davies-Jones Lab Pontypridd

Children & Families

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

View on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Key points

  • Government will repeal presumption of parental involvement in family court proceedings
  • Repeal will amend section 1 of the Children Act 1989
  • Reforms aim to prioritise child welfare in private law cases

Issue summary

The Government is repealing the presumption of parental involvement in family court proceedings when Parliamentary time allows, amending section 1 of the Children Act 1989.

Action requested

The repeal will form part of a package of reforms designed to better protect children in private law cases and ensure that decisions prioritise child welfare over parental contact. The review findings have been published alongside this statement.

Key facts

  • The presumption of parental involvement was introduced by the Children and Families Act 2014.
  • The Harm Panel Report identified a 'pro-contact' culture in family courts contributing to detrimental outcomes for children.
  • Abuse during childhood can lead to negative education, employment, health, and justice system outcomes.
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