Lack of funds ‘is hitting families’

Rose Colley, a family law specialist, believes that the painful and avoidable hold-ups are being caused by staff shortages at Health and Social Services. She has spoken out after one of her cases was delayed because of the difficulties the Children’s Service were having providing services to the Family Court. The Children’s and Probation services jointly provide a court welfare service to the Family Court. When there are relationship disputes involving children which cannot be resolved by agreement, the court may order the preparation of a Family Court welfare report to make recommendations regarding the most appropriate way in which to ensure the child or children’s welfare.