A recent report by Members of Parliament (MPs) has highlighted significant delays in the family courts system, negatively impacting children, families, and victims of domestic abuse. The report revealed that over 4,000 children were involved in court cases lasting up to two years, despite the standard requirement for most public law cases to be resolved within 26 weeks. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) expressed concern over the lack of district judges and social workers, attributing these shortages to the delays.
Furthermore, the PAC criticized the government for not recognizing the urgent need for reform in the system, particularly in addressing domestic abuse cases. The inquiry emphasized that delays in court cases have a profound impact on children and domestic abuse victims, with the government’s understanding of these effects deemed inadequate.
The committee also raised issues regarding the complexity and inefficiency of family courts, particularly for families without legal support. Concerns were voiced about the inadequate resources and training for court staff, legal advisors, and Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) personnel in supporting domestic abuse victims.
In response to the situation, the Spending Review of June 2025 allocated £2 billion for new investments in children’s social care. However, the report called for clarity on how this funding will be utilized, especially in enhancing family support services to prevent families from entering the court system.
Clive Betts, the deputy chair of the PAC, expressed alarm over the government’s response to the delays, highlighting the pressing need for comprehensive reform in the family courts system. The inquiry underscored the system’s failure to adequately address the needs of domestic abuse victims, signaling a critical area for improvement.
Overall, the report shed light on the challenges faced by children, families, and victims of domestic abuse due to prolonged court delays, urging prompt and effective reforms to address these issues.