FAMILY JUSTICE SYSTEM AND FAMILY COURTS

That this House is concerned that care and supervision cases in the Family Courts are taking almost a year to complete; notes that this will have an entirely negative impact on vulnerable children for whom a year is a very long time; is concerned that the Government's court closure programme has led to a worrying increase in the distances that families have to travel to attend a court hearing; further notes that parties, often in conflict, including victims and perpetrators of domestic violence, are forced to share court waiting space due to court closures and lack of resources; and calls on the Government to review the administration of the Family Courts without delay particularly as further courts will close before the proposed single family court is established.