The Family Justice Council
The National Family Justice Council (FJC) is an independent body that was created in 2004 in order to improve the experience for users of the family justice system, namely the families and children involved. It is funded by the Ministry of Justice.
Who are the members of the Council?
The national FJC has 30 members. It is an inter-disciplinary body, with its members consisting of a mix of people who work, use, or have an interest in the family justice system. The FJC has a wealth of experience and expertise, including:
- legal professionals (barristers, solicitors, judges);
- medical professionals (a paediatrician and child psychiatrist);
- social care (a representative from the Children and Family Court Advisory Service and a Director of Children’s Services);
- academics; and
- civil servants.
The national FJC meets quarterly and monitors the family justice system’s effectiveness. It gives advice on necessary reforms to ensure continuous improvement and it provides an expert and balanced insight into family justice in England and Wales. A lot of the work of the national FJC is carried out by sub-committees and working groups and it is supported by a secretariat based in the Royal Courts of Justice.
The aims and purpose of the FJC
The FJC has the responsibility of:
- promoting improved interdisciplinary working across the family justice system through communication and discussion between all relevant agencies;
- facilitating an exchange of information between local committees and the national FJC, and providing guidance and direction, to ensure consistency and best practice throughout the family justice system;
- submitting proposals for new practice directions where appropriate;
- recommending changes to government with regard to legislation, practice and procedure in order to improve the way in which the family justice system operates; and
- encouraging the carrying out of research and identifying the priorities of any such research.
Local Family Justice Councils
A network of 39 Local Family Justice Councils across England and Wales support the national FJC, and they provide an understanding of the realities of the family justice system in local areas, to complement the expertise offered by members of the national FJC.
Similar to the national FJC, Local Family Justice Councils are made up of members drawn from various organisations involved in the family justice system, such as CAFCASS, the courts, the police force, lawyers, and professionals working in the medical field, therapy, social work and mediation. Local Family Justice Councils work to ensure the fairness and accessibility of the family justice system, providing support for local people.
The main role of the Local Family Justice Councils is to consider issues affecting family justice in their particular locality and address them where necessary through communication with users of the system in their area, other agencies and the national FJC. Many local councils issue newsletters and hold events, meetings and conferences. Like the national FJC, Local Councils tend to meet on a quarterly basis.
If you would like help or support in relation to the family justice system, you should either contact your Local Family Justice Council or contact a solicitor.
- Source:
- FindLaw
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