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Role of the Family Justice Council

Following public consultation in 2002, the Ministry of Justice approved the establishment of the Family Justice Council (FJC). A National FJC was set up, supported by a network of 39 Local Family Justice Councils. The Family Justice Council 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. In particular we aim to:

• Promote improved interdisciplinary working across the family justice system and advocating inclusive discussion, communication and co-ordination between all agencies including by way of meetings, seminars and conferences as appropriate;
• Identify and disseminate best practice throughout the family justice system, facilitating a mutual exchange of information between other local Family Justice Councils and the national Council;
• Provide guidance and directionto achieve consistency of practice throughout the family justice system
• Provide advice and make recommendations to the national Council on changes to legislation, practice and procedure, which will improve the workings of the family justice system.