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FEB 06 2012 / Relate's reaction to the Government's response to the Family Justice Review

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

6 February 12

 

Relate’s response to the Government’s Family Justice Review response

 

John Loughton, Interim Head of Public Policy at Relate said:

 

“Today’s response from Government is one important step in mobilising a longer-term culture change to be a more family friendly society that respects the importance of positive healthy relationships.

 

“It is right that the family justice service operates in the best interests of the child. Relate welcomes the recommendations to avoid court where possible as we know this is rarely the most appropriate place to resolve a family dispute. Therefore we agree with the Government’s decision to focus policy and resources on a more robust range of relationship and family support services that are evidence-based and preventative in nature.

 

“We welcome the proposed range of dispute-resolution models such as Parental Plans that will help avoid unnecessary relationship conflict, more holistic parental information through web and telephone information services, and the pledge to increase investment in mediation provision by £15million. Relate believes that these services must include therapeutic interventions, in order to meet both the emotional and practical needs of families. These measures will empower families earlier, prevent further harmful breakdown and mitigate the strain on the court system.

 

“Anyone needing to speak to a counsellor can call Relate on 0300 100 1234 / www.relate.org.uk”

 

Notes to editors:

• Relate’s vision is a future in which healthy relationships form the heart of a thriving society
• Relate’s services extend beyond couple counselling to family counselling, counselling for young people online counselling, sex therapy and informal workshops
• Relate works in schools, primary care settings, prisons, and Children’s Centres
• Relate supports 150,000 people each year in over 600 locations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
• Relate has a work-force of 2,000 people nationwide
• For more information and advice visit: www.relate.org.uk