Neurodiversity and Access to Justice in the Family Courts
Bradley Haynes Law
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The Family Justice Council (FJC) has published new Guidance on Neurodiversity in the Family Justice System, offering essential best practices for legal practitioners working with neurodivergent individuals.
Developed over nearly two years with contributions from experts across the sector, this guidance consolidates the existing regulatory framework and highlights practical adjustments that can enhance participation and outcomes for children and families.
In his foreword, Sir Andrew McFarlane, President of the Family Division, underscores the importance of recognising and accommodating neurodivergence to ensure equal access to justice:
The universally applicable principle upon which the guidance sits, is that understanding an individual’s needs leads to better participation, and more effective justice.
A separate set of guidelines for the judiciary is expected later this year.
As legal practitioners, we have a duty to foster a more inclusive justice system. We encourage colleagues to review this guidance and consider how best practices can be implemented in daily practice.