The family court system is undergoing an important transformation in the way it deals with disputes involving children.
The introduction of Child Focused Courts, previously known as Pathfinder Courts, represents a significant shift towards a more child-centred approach to private children law proceedings.
For parents in Newcastle and across the North East, these changes are particularly relevant as the new model is being rolled out across Northumbria and North Durham and all new applications will be managed under the Child Focused Court process as from 17th November 2026.
But what exactly are Child Focused Courts? What is a Child Impact Report, and how does the new approach differ from the previous Pathfinder Court process and the previous way family court proceedings were managed and dealt with?
At Prism Family Law, we understand that navigating any dispute about your children can be an emotionally challenging experience. Understanding how the court process works, and what the changes mean for you and your family can help you feel better prepared.
In this guide, we hope to try and explain the key developments and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about what is now to be implemented on and after 17th November 2026.
What are Child Focused Courts?
Child Focused Courts are part of a nationwide reform of private family law proceedings in England and Wales.
Previously known as the Private Law Pathfinder scheme, the model was initially introduced in Dorset and North Wales in February 2022. Following the experience of the pilot areas, the Government announced its intention to extend the approach across England and Wales.
The primary aim of the change is to make family court proceedings more efficient, less adversarial and, most importantly, focused on the needs and welfare of the child or children concerned by any application.
Under the traditional Pathfinder approach, parents could find themselves attending several court hearings before the court had a comprehensive understanding of the family’s circumstances. Important information about a child’s experiences, wishes and feelings, or potential safeguarding concerns, might only emerge later in the proceedings after which time the delay may have caused harm in another way to the child concerned.
The Child Focused Court model seeks to address the previous concerns by gathering as much information as possible earlier in the case, prior to any hearing, encouraging greater involvement from children where appropriate and ensuring that the court has a clearer picture of the family’s circumstances before making decisions.
The new approach also places greater emphasis on identifying domestic abuse and other safeguarding concerns at an early stage, with improved access to specialist support from Harbour or other support agencies elsewhere when required.
What is a Child Impact Report?
One of the most significant new features of the Child Focused Court model is the introduction of the Child Impact Report (CIR).
A Child Impact Report is a comprehensive assessment prepared by Cafcass (the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) or, where appropriate, the relevant local authority.
It is intended that the Child Impact Report will replace the old ‘safeguarding letters’ that use to be prepared by Cafcass.
The primary purpose of the Child Impact Report is to give the court a clearer understanding of the child’s circumstances, experiences, needs and welfare at an early stage in the proceedings. The report will usually contain with consent a picture of the child or children concerned, essentially putting a face to the name for any reader to be appreciative of.
Rather than relying on separate reports at different stages, the new approach brings together important information into one report.
A Child Impact Report will typically consider:
- The child’s wishes and feelings: Where appropriate, the child will have an opportunity to express their views and experiences to a social worker. Their wishes will be considered in light of their age and understanding.
- Safeguarding concerns: Relevant safeguarding checks and information about any concerns affecting the child’s welfare, this includes for example asking the police for information regarding any past complaints made to the police and the outcome of any such complaints.
- Domestic abuse and other risks: Any allegations or evidence of domestic abuse, coercive control, or other forms of harm will be considered as part of the assessment.
- The child’s circumstances: Their family relationships, living arrangements, emotional wellbeing and individual needs.
- Each parent’s perspective: The views of parents and carers, including their concerns and their understanding of the child’s needs.
- Recommendations: An assessment of what arrangements may best promote the child’s welfare and protect them from harm.
Where domestic abuse is raised, the process also provides for referrals to specialist Independent Domestic Violence Advisers (IDVAs) – in the North East, that is likely to then Harbour. These professionals can undertake specialist risk assessments and provide practical and emotional support to victims and survivors.
The Child Impact Report is intended to give the court as much information at the start of the case and before any hearing so that if possible it can make informed decisions without unnecessary delay.
Importantly, a Child Impact Report is not simply a report about which parent is right or wrong. Its central purpose is to understand the impact of the family dispute on the child and identify what arrangements will best safeguard their welfare.
It is intended that then if required the first hearing will be a “problem solving” hearing and wherever possible, the Court will try and make a final order if appropriate, failing which, the Court will make directions that allow the application to be dealt with as soon as possible.
How does this process differ from the previous Pathfinder Court approach to Children Act cases?
The terminology can be confusing because Child Focused Courts were previously known as Pathfinder Courts.
In fact, the Child Focused Court model is the national development and expansion of the original Private Law Pathfinder approach, rather than an entirely separate replacement scheme.
The Pathfinder pilot tested a different way of managing private law children cases, and the lessons learned have informed the new national model.
The key difference is that the Child Focused Court approach replaces the traditional Child Arrangements Programme (CAP) with a more investigative and child-centred process in participating court areas.
Under the previous Child Arrangements Programme, cases would generally involve:
- Initial safeguarding checks and a Safeguarding Letter prepared by Cafcass.
- An initial court hearing, known as a First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA).
- Further directions or assessments where the court considered them necessary.
- Potentially a Section 7 Report, prepared by Cafcass or the local authority, examining the child’s circumstances and making recommendations.
- Further hearings before a final decision was reached, where required.
The new Child Focused Court model aims to streamline this process through what is described as a ‘one report, one hearing’ approach, wherever possible.
The main differences include:
| Previous process (Child Arrangements Programme) | Child Focused Courts | |
| What happens after you apply | Cafcass carries out initial safeguarding checks before the first hearing | Cafcass or the local authority gathers detailed information about the child before any hearing |
| Main report | A Safeguarding Letter first, then possibly a separate Section 7 Report later in the case | One Child Impact Report, prepared early, bringing that information together |
| When the child is heard | Often later in proceedings, if a Section 7 Report is ordered | Early in the case, where appropriate for the child’s age and understanding |
| First hearing | First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA) | A problem-solving hearing focused on the impact of the dispute on the child |
| Overall approach | Largely shaped by each parent’s competing positions | More investigative, looking at the wider family circumstances and risks |
| Domestic abuse | Raised through safeguarding checks, with support varying by case | Identified early, with referrals to specialist domestic abuse advisers (IDVAs) |
| Number of hearings | Often several before a final decision | Aims for “one report, one hearing” where possible |
| Guiding principle | The child’s welfare is paramount (Children Act 1989) | Unchanged: the child’s welfare remains paramount |
Do the changes impact ongoing cases?
This is understandably one of the biggest questions for parents who are already involved in Children Act proceedings.
The short answer is that the introduction of Child Focused Courts does not mean that every existing case will automatically transfer to the new process.
The national rollout is taking place in stages, and the transition arrangements recognise that cases already underway need to be managed alongside new applications.
The Government’s operating model specifically provides for a period of what is known as ‘double running’. This means that, following implementation in a particular court area, existing cases started under the previous Child Arrangements Programme can continue under that process, while new cases are managed under the Child Focused Court model.
This is intended to avoid unnecessary disruption and allow outstanding cases to progress towards resolution.
For parents in Newcastle and the wider Northumbria area, the precise impact will depend on the implementation timetable and the stage their proceedings have reached.
If you already have an ongoing court case, you should not assume that your next hearing, existing directions or any reports already ordered will automatically change, what is likely to happen is that your case is likely to be looked at (reviewed) and if a judge takes a view that it may be helpful to list the case for a hearing to discuss what is going on and what issues remain to be resolved, then the Court will list the case on notice for the purposes of then reviewing matters.
It is important to establish:
- Which court process is currently managing your case.
- Whether your proceedings began before or after the new model was introduced locally.
- Whether any existing court directions or report deadlines have changed.
- Whether you need to take any action in response to the transition.
If you are unsure how the changes affect your proceedings, obtaining advice from a family law solicitor can help clarify your position.
What do the changes mean for parents in Newcastle?
The national rollout is particularly relevant to families in Newcastle and the surrounding North East.
On 17th March 2026, the Government confirmed that Northumbria and North Durham would be among the next eight court areas to introduce Child Focused Courts and so as from 17th November 2026, all new Children Act applications seeking either a Child Arrangements Order or Enforcement of an Existing Order will be now managed under the Child Focused Courts process.
For parents, the changes represent an opportunity for a more informed and child-centred approach to resolving disputes.
However, it is important to appreciate that a new court process does not necessarily mean that every case will be straightforward or resolved quickly. Cases involving complex safeguarding issues, domestic abuse or significant disagreement may still require detailed consideration and additional court involvement and require more than one hearing then to determine.
The most important consideration remains ensuring that any arrangements made are safe, appropriate and in the child’s best interests.
How can Prism Family Law help?
Disagreements about child arrangements can be stressful and difficult, particularly when parents have different views about where a child should live, how much time they should spend with each parent or how important decisions about their upbringing should be made.
Changes to the family court process can create further uncertainty, especially if you are already involved in proceedings or are considering making an application.
At Prism Family Law, we understand the importance of putting children first while ensuring that parents understand their legal rights and responsibilities.
We can provide advice and guidance on child arrangements disputes, applications under the Children Act 1989, safeguarding concerns and the practical implications of the changing family court process.
Whether you are considering making an application, responding to proceedings or already involved in an ongoing case, obtaining clear legal advice can help you understand your options and the steps you may need to take.
Contact Prism Family Law to discuss your circumstances and find out how we can help you navigate the family court process
If you require further information or would like to make an appointment please contact David Banks, Solicitor on 0191 269 6871 or email david.banks@prismfamilylaw.co.uk for immediate legal advice and help.
In certain cases, subject to qualifying criteria, we may be able to offer our legal services and help with the benefit of legal aid as provided for by the Legal Aid Agency.
Disclaimer
This article provides general information about Child Focused Courts and private children law proceedings in England and Wales. It is not intended to constitute legal advice. The appropriate approach will depend on the individual circumstances of each case. It is always recommended that specific professional advice is sought before acting on any of the information given.