After trials in North Wales and Dorset, The Pathfinder Pilot Scheme has arrived in South-East Wales Courts, which are in Cardiff, Newport, Blackwood, Pontypridd, and Merthyr Tydfil.
The scheme implements a more problem-solving approach for separating families, which is aimed at improving the court experience and outcomes. The process also allows for more consideration for domestic abuse cases, and to ensure that the voice of the child is the focal point in proceedings.
Aims of the process:
Aim 1: Improve Outcomes
Aim 2: Reduce Trauma and Conflict
Aim 3: Coordinated Approach
Aim 4: Streamlined Court Process
There are three stages to the process:
Stage 1 – Information Gathering and Assessment
Information is collected for a Child Impact Report (CIR), which includes safeguarding checks, parental involvement, direct or indirect engagement with the child, a DASH assessment, and reviewing related cases.
Stage 2 – Interventions and/or Decision Hearing
The Court decides how to proceed with the application, which may involve issuing activity directions, suggesting non-court resolution, determining monitoring methods for agreements between parties, and holding a Decision Hearing. During the Decision Hearing, the Court resolves unresolved issues, decides on orders, provides directions for the review stage, and addresses communication of the decision to the child.
Stage 3 – Review
This occurs 3-12 months after the order is issued, aiming to assess its effectiveness for parties, including the child. The focus is on safety, post-order support, and providing or referring to support services, rather than enforcing order compliance.
If this update is relevant to you, and you would like to know more, our expert Family Law Department are here to help and support you through the process.
