By Stacey Phoenix, Head of Department, Cygnet Law

Cafcass has recently published its Strategic Plan for 2026–2029, setting out an ambitious vision for the future of family justice and reaffirming its commitment to ensuring every child has a positive and meaningful experience within the family court system. For families involved in family court proceedings, particularly those concerning child arrangements, parental responsibility, and safeguarding concerns, the strategy signals important changes that could shape the way cases are managed for years to come.

At Cygnet Law, our family law team regularly supports parents and carers across Teesside, County Durham, and the North East. As experienced family solicitors, we welcome reforms that place children firmly at the centre of decision-making and seek to improve outcomes for families navigating difficult circumstances.

A Greater Focus on Children’s Voices

One of the key themes running throughout Cafcass’ new strategy is the importance of ensuring children’s voices are heard and understood within family proceedings.

The family justice system has long recognised that children’s welfare should be the court’s paramount consideration. However, Cafcass’ strategy seeks to strengthen this principle by ensuring children are actively engaged in the process and that professionals take the time to understand their individual experiences and needs.

For parents involved in disputes regarding where a child lives, how much time they spend with each parent, or other child arrangements issues, this emphasis on listening to children is
likely to play an increasingly important role in future proceedings.

Teesside Joins the Pathfinder Rollout This Autumn

One of the most significant developments highlighted within the Cafcass strategy is the continued national expansion of the Child Focused Courts model, formerly known as the Pathfinder Programme.

The Pathfinder approach has already been piloted in several areas of England and Wales, with promising results. It aims to improve the way family courts deal with private children cases by identifying safeguarding concerns earlier, reducing conflict, and ensuring children’s experiences are understood from the outset.

Importantly for local families, Teesside is due to become part of the next phase of the Pathfinder rollout from Autumn 2026.

This means that families involved in private children law proceedings in the Teesside area may begin to see significant changes in how their cases are managed.

Under the Pathfinder model:

• Children’s voices are heard earlier in the process;
• Domestic abuse and safeguarding concerns are identified sooner;
• Agencies work more collaboratively to gather information;
• The court is provided with a fuller picture at an earlier stage;
• Families may experience fewer hearings and less delay.

For many families, this could result in a more streamlined process and a greater focus on finding solutions that genuinely meet the needs of children.

What Could This Mean for Parents?

The Pathfinder approach represents a shift away from the traditional model of family court proceedings.

Rather than focusing primarily on competing parental positions, the emphasis is placed on understanding the child’s lived experience and identifying any welfare concerns as early as possible.

For parents, this means:

• Early disclosure of safeguarding issues is likely to become increasingly important;
• Greater scrutiny may be given to allegations of domestic abuse or coercive behaviour;
• Multi-agency information gathering may take place at a much earlier stage;
• The court will seek to minimise unnecessary conflict wherever possible.

Seeking early legal advice from an experienced family solicitor can help parents understand how these changes may affect their case and ensure they are properly prepared.

Supporting Victims of Domestic Abuse

Another key objective within Cafcass’ strategy is improving outcomes for children and families affected by domestic abuse.

The Pathfinder model has been specifically designed to improve the identification of abuse and reduce the risk of victims having to repeatedly recount traumatic experiences throughout proceedings.

At Cygnet Law, we understand the profound impact that domestic abuse can have on both adults and children. Our family law team regularly assists clients with matters involving:

• Domestic abuse injunctions;
• Non-molestation orders;
• Occupation orders;
• Child arrangements disputes involving safeguarding concerns;
• Allegations of coercive and controlling behaviour.

Any reforms that strengthen protection for vulnerable children and families are to be welcomed.

Reducing Delay in Family Court Proceedings

One of the greatest challenges facing the family justice system remains delay.

Lengthy proceedings can create uncertainty for children and increase stress for parents already navigating difficult family circumstances.

Cafcass’ strategic plan recognises this issue and commits to improving consistency and reducing delays wherever possible. The Child Focused Courts model aims to provide the court with more information at an earlier stage, helping judges make informed decisions more quickly and reducing the need for repeated hearings.

For families across Teesside, this could mean a more efficient and child-focused court process in the years ahead.

Stacey Phoenix, Head of Department at Cygnet Law, said:

“The publication of Cafcass’ Strategic Plan highlights the direction family justice needs to continue taking over the coming years. Children and families should remain at the heart of every decision made within the court process, and it is encouraging to see a clear commitment to listening to children’s voices, improving safeguarding, and reducing unnecessary delay.

The expansion of the Child Focused Courts model into Teesside this autumn is a significant development for local families. We are hopeful that these reforms will help create a more responsive and child-centred system, one that not only resolves disputes effectively but also better supports children and parents through what can often be one of the most challenging periods of their lives.”

How Cygnet Law Can Help

Family court proceedings can feel overwhelming, particularly when children are involved. Whether you are facing a dispute regarding child arrangements, parental responsibility,
relocation, safeguarding concerns, or domestic abuse, obtaining specialist legal advice at an early stage can make a significant difference.

At Cygnet Law, our experienced family lawyers support clients throughout Teesside, Stockton-on-Tees, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland, Hartlepool, Darlington, and the wider North East.

As the Pathfinder reforms begin to take effect locally, our team will continue to monitor developments closely and guide clients through the changing family justice landscape.

If you require advice regarding child arrangements, family court proceedings, parental responsibility, or safeguarding concerns, please contact Cygnet Law’s Family Law Department for expert legal support.

Contact Cygnet Law

If you would like to speak to a member of our family law team about your situation, please get in touch today. We provide practical, compassionate legal advice focused on achieving the best possible outcomes for children and families throughout Teesside and the North East.