Petition · Ministry of Justice
Review timing of child contact centre referrals at family court
Closed
169 signatures
What the petition asks
Review the need for early intervention through contact centres at the point when court applications are made. We think this could help ensure children maintain relationships with both parents while legal processes are ongoing.
A 2023 study suggested that 80,000 children were caught in private law cases. Delays can mean many wait 9–12 months, some over 2 years, without stable contact. This separation may damage children’s emotional wellbeing, potentially increasing anxiety, trauma and long-term mental health risks. Parents may also face stress and depression. We believe early referrals to contact centres could reduce conflict, help protect children’s bonds, support family mental health, and ease pressure on family courts.
Timeline
| 17 Sep 2025 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 17 Mar 2026 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
169
Status
Closed
Department
Ministry of Justice
Opened
17 Sep 2025
Closed
17 Mar 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 9 Aug 2026.