In response to the Family Justice Review, published today on 3 November 2011 Malcolm Richardson, Chairman of the Magistrates' Association's Family Courts Committee said,
"The Magistrates' Association welcomes the final report of the Family Justice Review and in particular the proposal to impose a six-month time limit for all cases. Family panel magistrates are only too aware of the effect of delays on children suffering harm."
The Association believes in a focused family justice service with an infrastructure in which, along with dedicated legal advisers, magistrates could provide a reliable, child-centred, resolution
orientated service. The use of best practice and firmer management of all practitioners will most surely be in the best interests of children.
