Shorter family court hearings 'encouraging', says minister

The Ministry of Justice has implemented a pilot scheme in family courts to reduce delays and better support victims of domestic abuse. The scheme has led to shorter court hearings, with cases now lasting an average of 18 weeks instead of 29. While some parents have raised concerns about the process, the pilot has been deemed successful in improving the understanding of domestic abuse in family courts. The scheme, called ‘Pathfinder’, has been evaluated positively, with plans to expand it to all family courts in England and Wales. Despite challenges with resourcing and staffing, the evaluation has shown that the child’s voice is being prioritized in proceedings. The pilot has also highlighted the importance of early identification of abuse allegations and providing support to families throughout the court process.

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