A broken System: what the latest report reveals
The latest report from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) paints a stark picture of the UK’s family justice system. As of December 2024, over 4,000 children were caught in family court cases lasting more than 100 weeks, nearly two years!
Despite a legal requirement for most public law cases to conclude within 26 weeks, this target has never been met. The PAC found no clear plan from the government to reduce delays, and no urgency to address the crisis.
Who’s being affected, and how?
These delays aren’t just numbers. They represent real families – many of whom are navigating domestic abuse, mental health challenges, or housing instability. The longer cases drag on, the more likely family circumstances will change, triggering new assessments, additional hearings, and more emotional strain.
In London, cases now average 53 weeks, compared to 24 weeks in Wales – highlighting serious regional inequality. A shortage of district judges and social workers is fuelling the backlog, with no systematic plan to meet regional demand.
Why mediation matters more than ever
Mediation offers a faster, less adversarial alternative to court – especially for families who want to avoid lengthy legal battles. It’s child-focused, trauma-informed, and can help families reach agreements in weeks, not years.
Since 2021, the Ministry of Justice has offered a £500 voucher to help families access mediation. But uptake remains low, and many families don’t even know it exists.
At Brighter Future Mediation, we’re working to change that. We offer accessible, trauma-informed mediation designed to support families through difficult transitions, with or without court involvement. We are registered with the MOJ so you can access the £500 voucher towards the cost of your mediation with us.
What needs to change
The PAC report calls for:
- Urgent reform of the family justice system
- Investment in judges, social workers, and legal support
- Better training for professionals working with domestic abuse survivors
- Transparency around how £2 billion in children’s social care funding will be spent
But change takes time—and families need support now.
How we can help
Our expert mediators support clients to avoidf litigation and reach agreement.
If you’re unable to mediate and struggling to navigate the court process, we’re here to help. Our Direct to Court Package offers:
- A legally required MIAM
- A 1:1 consultation with our specialist team
- Professional completion of your C100 form
We also provide a free consultation to help you explore your options, whether that’s mediation, court, or something in between.
Let’s build a brighter future
Families deserve better than a broken system. Let’s raise awareness, push for reform, and champion alternatives that truly serve children’s best interests.
📲 0333 240 8038 book your free consultation today
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