1. Local Family Justice Board News

2. Care cases

3. Care Duration 2011/12 = Average 59 weeks. 2012/13 = Average 45 weeks.
2013 – Identified as a Focus LFJB
Cases between weeks = 141
weeks = 81
weeks = 47

4. And in 2014/15
VIDEO

5. Family Justice Review Poor assessments
The nature of families – they can be avoidant, chaotic, hostile and hard to assess
Workforce/skill limitations
Risk aversion (serial, duplicate assessments)
Lack of case management continuity and urgency (practical issues like listing)
In 2013 GM became a ‘focus’ LFJB to be worked with more closely

6. And now… Greater Manchester (KPI’s) 24.6 average weeks (E&W 26.6)
69.8% conclude in 26 wks (E&W 60.9%)
3.7 average no. of hrgs (E&W 5.1)

7. And in Private Law Greater Manchester (KPI’s)
73.5% listed for FHDRA within 6 weeks of application (E&W 61.3%)
20.4 Average weeks from receipt to final order (E&W 22.6)

8. And….
With increasing case numbers and no end in sight on numbers reducing
Comparing FYT December 2015 – 2016
11% higher in private law = 363 applications
16.8% higher in public law = 89 applications
MOJ are providing additional sitting days

9. So how have we done it? Focus on FJB’s ToRs
reducing delay in public law cases and making progress against the proposed 26-week time limit for care cases;
resolving private law cases out of court where appropriate;
building greater cross-agency coherence; and
tackling variations in local performance

10. continued
Overcoming a blame culture and establishing a take responsibility culture and issues being worked through in the true spirit of working together
The forums to provide feedback whether positively or negatively for all professions. The system of open discussion has been powerful in surfacing issues
Action plan – 37 actions, reduced to 9 key actions
The commitment of the Court Staff who work tirelessly with pride and commitment
Orders being turned around in 48 hours from approval by the allocated Judge or Legal Adviser
Implementation of the Discharge Protocol – reducing the timetable to 10 weeks
Continuity of Judiciary and Cafcass

11. continued E-filing (public) Pre-Proceedings Parenting Plans
The rebuilding of the social work profession. The Court Craft Training event that took place in November 2016 attracted 96 delegates. The date for the next event is the 23rd June 2017
Workforce development and praise from the judiciary has enhanced confidence. Advice and guidance on doing things better
Children’s Access Tours. The next Children’s Access Tour will take on the 4th April This event will be aimed at children aged 10 years or younger

12. continued
Free Education and Training and lunch time workshops has been exceptional with speakers using their own time. Such generosity to help and pitch in to improve
The seminars so far delivered have included Section 20, forced marriage, FGM, Radicalisation, Police Disclosure, The Samaritans and Private/Public law update. The forthcoming seminars will include Serious Case Reviews in the North West, Relate and Women Offenders. Over 500 people have attended the various events
True ethos of Single Family Court and the magistrates tier working closely together

13. Going forward Continue to promote working together
Openness and transparency – improved cascading of information
Achieve further consistency where possible across all LA’s
Ensure Court Room availability
Introduction of Wifi at the CJC
Improve pre-proceedings work even further
Use the “quick wins” available to you
Better use of Mediation Services in private law matters
Continue with the excellent training

14. Recognition
December 2016 PISG agreed that GM be removed from the group of focus LFJB’s. It is recognised that there remain considerable challenges ahead for GM… However, there’s nothing to suggest that GM is not at least as well placed as others to tackle them