Timescales highlighted as AFLA welcomes family law review

 

A Scottish Government announcement of a review of family justice is “more than welcome”, according to the Advocates’ Family Law Association (AFLA).

Ministers began a consultation on reviewing Part 1 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995, and said it would form part of a family justice modernisation strategy.

Janys Scott, QC, Chair of AFLA, said: “A family justice review that looks at how we take decisions about children, as well as what decisions we make, is more than welcome. As advocates, we are only too well aware that there is room for improvement and we will be pleased to contribute to the review. 

“One of the principal concerns must be about timescales.  Children are growing and developing. Decisions have to be taken in time to be helpful to them. 

“It is pleasing to see that young people are being encouraged by the Scottish Government to be involved in this consultation, and that their views will be fully considered consistent with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.”

Details of the review are at https://news.gov.scot/news/review-of-family-law