Council launched to improve family court system
BBCA council has been set up to improve the experience of children and families involved with the Jersey court service.
The Bailiff's Chambers said The Jersey Family Justice Council (JFJC) would be a point of for the public to share any issues experienced in family court.
The chamber said during its first three-year term the JFJC would work on improving issues including the use of experts in proceedings, how to avoid delays and addressing how domestic abuse is dealt with.
Deputy Bailiff Robert MacRae said through consultation and research, the JFJC could "improve and modernise safeguarding and the istration of family justice".
He said: "The primary purpose of the JFJC is to improve co-operation between and increase awareness across various courts and agencies involved with children and families, so that we can all better understand what obstacles stand in the way of good outcomes for our children."
Other issues the independent body is expected to focus on are:
- How best to encourage and participation from children and adults involved in family proceedings
- Ensuring the process of family proceedings considers issues of trauma and and avoid retraumatising children or families
- Identifying what training may be required to improve practice across the court proceedings
- Exploring the feasibility of introducing a specialist court for parents and carers struggling with addiction issues - subject to funding
The Bailiff's Chambers said a dedicated website would be launched once the JFJC was set up.
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