Innovative family court model to better protect children and families

Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, has welcomed the expansion of an innovative new family court model in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

‘Pathfinder’ courts enable both adult and child victims of domestic abuse to receive access to better support and swifter justice.

It also introduces earlier identification of risk to improve children’s safety and streamlines court processes to increase efficiency and reduce delays.

The model has already proved successful in other parts of the country, with courts resolving some cases seven and a half months quicker, reducing backlogs and shielding children from further trauma.

The PCC has given over £105,000 of funding this financial year (25/26) to domestic abuse support services, which are provided by The You Trust, with a further £319,500 expected next year.

Donna Jones said: “I’m delighted the Pathfinder approach is being rolled out here to ensure survivors and their children are protected from the damaging effects of family breakdown.

“Unfortunately, many of the cases we see in family courts involve domestic abuse.

“By commissioning services like The You Trust, we can provide better ongoing support for the families and children involved in these cases.

“Working in partnership enables us to better understand the dynamic of these families so when relationships between parents break down, children are given help quickly to avoid ongoing trauma.

“They have a right to a happy and healthy life and it’s important their voices are heard.”

The rollout applies to courts across Aldershot, Basingstoke, Newport (Isle of Wight), Portsmouth, Southampton, and Winchester.