Firm News
Government urged to introduce compulsory therapy following parental separation
| Release Date: |
16 November 2009 |
A study of over 4000 parents and children was commissioned by family lawyers at Mishcon de Reya to mark the 20th anniversary of the Children Act which was implemented in November 1989 to improve the welfare of youngsters caught in the middle of parental separation.
The research highlighted the detrimental effect on children of litigation following parental separation and led to Mishcon de Reya hosting a public debate on the issue held at Westminster on 9 November. The debate, chaired by Natasha Philips, comprised a panel including Sandra Davis, Tim Loughton (Shadow Children's Minister), Lords Justice Wall and Munby, Earl Listowel and Bob Reitmeir (CEO of The Children's Society). The debate was attended by Members of Parliament, representatives from the Department for Children, Schools and Family, CAFCASS and various NGOs, charities and not for profit organisations.
At the conclusion of the debate, Mishcon de Reya's proposals for compulsory attendance at "conflict clinics" as a pre-requisite to any subsequent litigation was released. For a copy, click here.
Following the results of the study, the Children's Society have teamed up with Mishcon de Reya to create the 'Kids Zone' area online, which aims to offer young people a virtual helping hand.
The online resource features advice for children of divorce, short films, a letter kids can give to their parents and information about what children can expect during the process of separation. To access the Kids Zone, please click here.
For further information contact Miles Geffin.