Role of the Family Justice Council
The Family Justice Council (FJC) 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.
News update:
Second open meeting of the Family Justice Council.
25th January 2010
The Family Justice Council held its second open meeting on the 25th January 2010 in London. This offered the opportuntiy for members of the public to observe, at first hand, the Council at work.
Attendees were able to submit questions in advance to the Council for response at the meeting.
Minutes of the meeting will be available shortly on the Meeting Summaries page.
The Council will hold further open meetings in the future which will be advertised via the website.
Recent appointments
The Council is pleased to announce the appointments of
Dr Heather Payne, Consultant Community Paediatrician and
Alison Russell QC, family barrister.
They replace Dr Rosalyn Proops and Stephen Cobb QC who have both stepped down..
Forced Marriage Protection Orders
The Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007 was implemented on 25 November 2008. The Act provides for individuals and third parties to apply for protection to prevent a forced marriage taking place or to instigate steps to recover a person if the marriage has already taken place. A Power of Arrest may be attached to the order. From 01 November 2009, local authorities will be designated as 'relevant third parties' under the Act and they will no longer need to apply for leave to make an application on behalf of a victim.