Role of the Family Justice Council
The Family Justice Council (FJC) exists to promote better and quicker outcomes for the families and children who use the family justice system. The Council promotes an inter-disciplinary approach to the needs of family justice, bringing together experts from the worlds of the law, health and social care to support and advise government and the family courts. It is chaired by the President of the Family Division, Sir Mark Potter.
The National FJC is supported by a network of 39 Local Family Justice Councils across England and Wales.
News update:
On 20 October 2008 the family Justice Council hosted a debate to explore the participation of children and young people in family court proceedings. Taking part were:
- Mr Justice (Sir Mark) Hedley
- Mr Justice (Sir Andrew) McFarlane
- Anthony Douglas (Chief Executive of cafcass)
- Anthony Hayden QC
- Alison Paddle (Former Chair of NAGALRO)
- Lucy Theis QC (Chair of the Family Law Bar Association)
- Paul Carr (District Judge)
- Dr Barbara Mitchels (family solicitor,mediator and psychotherapist)
- Dr Danya Glaser (consultant child psychiatrist)
A summary of the proceedings and a podcast recorded at the event is available here.