The Child Focused Courts model, formerly known as Pathfinder, is being introduced in Lancashire following successful implementation in court areas across England and Wales. The model is designed to ensure children’s experiences are better understood at an earlier stage, helping risks to be identified sooner and families to access support when they need it most.

Under the Child Focused Courts model, information about children’s experiences and any safeguarding concerns is gathered much earlier in proceedings, reducing the need for multiple hearings and helping courts make informed decisions sooner.

As part of the changes, and supported by Ministry of Justice funding, Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire Clive Grunshaw has commissioned specialist Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) support for families involved in private family court proceedings where domestic abuse is identified as a concern.

The service will be delivered by the DASSL Partnership which is partnered with The Wish Centre, for families in Blackburn, and will support the new process by carrying out domestic abuse risk assessments, helping to inform multi-agency decision-making and contributing to Child Impact Reports.

Child Impact Reports are a key feature of the Child Focused Courts model. They provide judges with a clearer understanding of a child’s lived experience, including the impact of domestic abuse, parental conflict and other safeguarding concerns.

The introduction of Child Focused Courts forms part of wider family justice reforms aimed at reducing conflict, improving the handling of domestic abuse concerns and enabling courts to make safer decisions more quickly. Evidence from pilot areas found cases were resolved significantly faster while improving agencies’ ability to understand and respond to children’s needs.

Commissioner Grunshaw is working closely with partners across Lancashire, including the Ministry of Justice, Cafcass, HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) and local authorities, through a dedicated implementation group to ensure arrangements are in place ahead of launch.

A new local protocol setting out how agencies will work together under the Child Focused Courts model launches on 17 November, marking the formal introduction of the approach in Lancashire.

 Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire and Chair of Lancashire Criminal Justice Board, Clive Grunshaw, said:

“Children should always be at the centre of decisions that affect their future. The introduction of the Child Focused Courts model represents an important step forward in ensuring that children’s voices are heard, risks are identified at the earliest opportunity, and families receive the right support when they need it.

“Too often, children can become caught in the middle of family disputes. This new approach helps ensure their voice, safety and wellbeing are central to the process from the very beginning.

“Domestic abuse can have a profound impact on both adults and children. By commissioning specialist IDVA support, we are helping to ensure that courts have access to the information they need to make informed decisions, while providing vital support to those affected.

“I welcome the strong partnership working between agencies across Lancashire as we prepare for the launch of this new approach and its potential to improve outcomes for children and families.”

Alex Atkinson, Director of Operations for Safenet on behalf of the DASSL partnership, said: “Every child deserves to have their voice heard and their experiences understood. Through the provision of specialist Independent Domestic Violence Adviser support, we will work alongside partners to identify and assess the impact of domestic abuse at the earliest opportunity, ensuring children and families receive the support they need and that courts have the information required to make informed decisions.

“We are really pleased to welcome the WISH Centre to the partnership to ensure families across all parts of Lancashire are fully supported.

“Together, we are proud to be supporting the implementation of this new model and look forward to working with partners across the family justice system to improve outcomes for children and families through this vital service.”