Caroline Lynch, Principal Legal Adviser at Family Rights Group, said:
“There have been clear messages from reviews, research and best practice guidance that early, effective partnership working with children and families is crucial. It can prevent difficulties from escalating, help to keep children safely within their family and avert the need for care proceedings. The challenge however is implementing those messages and creating system change.
“This three-year funding from the Legal Education Foundation is a unique opportunity to support the child welfare and family justice system in tackling that challenge, and to do so through co-production with families.
“We are looking forward to working closely with the judiciary, practitioners, social care leaders and others in developing an approach which will help to realise a re-emphasis on early work and partnership with families and help to safely divert cases away from court.”