Researching Reform: Austerity is harming our children - the family justice system must protect them

Less than a decade ago family law was a quiet cornerstone of the justice system. Few people understood its purpose less its power to effect positive change. Today a developing awareness of the importance child welfare plays in society and the public's growing fascination with how law can counter social injustice has highlighted the Family Court as a forum for activism. And as relentless budget cuts continue to threaten our children's health and safety the family justice system has begun to realise it has a greater part to play in protecting them than it ever imagined.

Family matters touch most of our lives and every corner of the justice system. From mental health to crime family law connects and intertwines with day-to-day life and is in its own way a barometer for the wellness of society. That budget cuts to support services are linked to higher rates of crime and greater miscarriages of justice is well established but looking at this in the context of children's well-being today is vital.

An entire body of work is emerging which clearly illustrates the already significant effects...

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