Mark Potter, recently departed former President of the Family Division has spoken out at his concern about the strains on the system, saying that children are in danger as a result. The Guardian reports his first interview since leaving office.
Joining the dots…
Last week the Public Accounts Committee published a damning report telling us that family justice was failing...
He makes perfect sense. A very good piece I thought. Shame there wasn’t a response from the new Lord Chancellor about his views.
A creaking, over-burdened court system crumbling around the ears of the bench, legal aid deserts resulting in a rising number of litigants in person and vulnerable children & adults being put at risk. This is New Labour’s legacy.
It would have been even better coming from him whilst still in post. But I suppose he is now liberated to speak his mind…
It’s always been the same though. It’s because of too many “care proceedings going through since Baby Peter”. Over cautious L.A taking the low risk cases against the very high risk cases to the family courts. Did you know that not 168 children have been abused and neglected since Baby P, BUT THE REAL NUMBER IS CLOSER TO 400. That includes the children also in care dying as well. (The two children jumping off the Bridge in Scotland) and the abuses that take place but hushed up.