‘Groundbreaking’ repeal of presumption of parental involvement in England and Wales ‘will ensure courts place safety of children above all else’
The family courts will no longer work on the presumption that having contact with both parents is in the best interests of a child, in a landmark change that domestic abuse campaigners have said “will save so many children’s lives”.
The move has been heralded as “groundbreaking” by family lawyers and campaigners who have long argued that the “pro-contact culture” in the family courts places the rights of abusive fathers over the safety and wellbeing of children.
Currently, under the Children Act 1989, courts are guided to work on the principle that children should have contact with both parents unless there is evidence that a parent could put the child at risk of harm.
The government confirmed on Tuesday that it would repeal the presumption of parental involvement from the act “when parliamentary time allows”.
