Court delays leave tens of thousands of children in limbo after parents split

Data shows that there is an average wait of 46 weeks for cases concerning Child Arrangements to reach the family court. This leaves children in limbo and adds to an already stressful situation. The worst areas have a 60 week delay. Years of cuts, Covid and lack of investment have taken their toll.

The voucher scheme, offering the equivalent of 2 free mediation sessions for separated parents is a method to alleviate this long wait. Resolving child arrangements in mediation has been shown to be far more beneficial for the outcomes of children. Avoiding the lengthy delays and expense of court hearings can only be good news for thousands of children.