Child Focused Courts launching in Coventry and Warwickshire

From Tuesday 17 November 2026, the Child Focused Court model will launch across Coventry and Warwickshire. Previously known as Pathfinder, the approach is designed to hear children’s voices earlier, identify safety concerns and reduce delays in resolving family disputes.

At Alsters Kelley, we appreciate that every family’s circumstances are different. Here, we explain what the changes could mean for parents and children in our local communities.

What is the Child Focused Court model?

The model changes how the family court handles private law child cases, including disagreements about child arrangements, such as where a child lives and how they spend time with each parent.

It takes a more investigative, diagnostic approach, gathering information about the family earlier so the court can more effectively understand the child’s circumstances and the issues that need resolving.

Coventry and Warwickshire are among the next areas included in the phased national rollout announced by the Ministry of Justice in March 2026

How will children’s voices be heard?

A key part of the model is the Child Impact Report, which helps the court understand how the dispute affects the child.

Cafcass, the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service, plays a key role. Its Family Court Advisers gather information about the family, conduct safeguarding checks, and engage with children to understand their experiences, wishes, and feelings.

The aim is to bring the child’s perspective into proceedings earlier, helping parents and the court focus on their safety and welfare.

Earlier identification of domestic abuse concerns

The reforms place particular emphasis on recognising domestic abuse and its impact on children and adults.

Cafcass has pointed out the importance of assessing harm and the risk of future harm, including experiences of coercive control. Closer working between the court, police, local authorities and specialist support organisations is intended to help concerns be understood and addressed sooner.

Locally, commissioning arrangements include a referral pathway for specialist domestic abuse assessment and support from Independent Domestic Violence Advisors.

Will child arrangements cases be resolved more quickly?

The model strives to reduce delays and the need for repeated hearings.

The Ministry of Justice reported that pilot areas saw court backlogs halve, with cases resolved up to seven and a half months faster. The results are encouraging, although they do not guarantee a specific timescale for an individual case.

Each family’s circumstances, the issues in dispute and any safeguarding concerns will influence how proceedings progress.

What does this mean for parents?

Jonathan Miller, Senior Solicitor at Alsters Kelley says, “ We welcome any change that allows cases to be resolved quicker. If you are considering a child arrangements application, the new approach places greater emphasis on understanding your child’s circumstances early in the process.

Consider your child’s daily routine, schooling, basic needs, and any concerns about their wellbeing or safety. Clear information about your family’s situation can help those involved understand the issues.

This is a change in procedure though, not the law. If proceedings are already underway, seek advice as the launch does not affect existing cases. Nor does it affect any orders that are already made.”

Family law support in Coventry and Warwickshire

At Alsters Kelley, our Family team provides practical advice and personal support to parents navigating separation and child arrangements.

We can help you understand your options, prepare for proceedings and consider arrangements that put your child’s welfare first.

If you have questions about Child Focused Courts in Coventry and Warwickshire, or need advice about arrangements for your children, contact Jonathan Miller on 01926 356000, or email jonathan.miller@alsterskelley.com to arrange a meeting at one of our offices in Banbury, Coventry, Leamington Spa, Nuneaton, Stratford-upon-Avon and Southam.