Strengthen Safeguarding and Mandate Checks in Family Court Cases.

Background

Reform the Children Act 1989 to keep the presumption of parental involvement but make it safer — by mandating DBS checks on new partners, ongoing risk assessments, and independent oversight to protect children while preserving safe parent relationships.

Additional details

The 2025 Review showed the family courts often prioritise contact over safety, but removing the presumption entirely would punish safe, loving parents. Reform must focus on stronger safeguarding — mandatory DBS checks, ongoing risk reviews, and independent oversight — to protect children while preserving safe parental bonds.