Child protection measures extended

Measures to protect children from domestic violence have been
announced by the government.

Family courts will have to consider the harm children might suffer
as a result of violence in the home as well as what they might
suffer after witnessing abuse against another person.

Lawyers will also have to complete forms to ensure allegations of
abuse are raised at the start of legal proceedings so that courts
can make decisions after hearing all the facts.

The procedures will affect courts dealing with the contact,
residence and other applications under section 8 of the Children
Act 1989.

Children’s minister Margaret Hodge is soon to publish the
government’s response to the Children Act sub-committee report
Making Contact Work.