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Legal News

Courts Tribunal and Judiciary publishes guidance on neurodiversity in the family justice system

Published on: 30 January 2025
Published by LNB News

LNB News 30/01/2025

Document Information

Issue Date: 30 January 2025

Published Date: 30 January 2025

Jurisdiction(s): England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales

Article summary

The Family Justice Council has released guidance for legal practitioners working with neurodivergent users of the family justice system. The guidance is the result of nearly two years of collaborative effort, which aims to enhance access to justice and ensure fair treatment for neurodivergent children and families. The guidance draws together the existing regulatory framework, outlines best practice and compiles relevant resources. It addresses the estimated 15% of neurodivergent individuals in the population, acknowledging that this figure likely underrepresents the proportion within the family justice system. The guidance identifies potential barriers to participation, access to justice issues and provides recommendations for recognising and accommodating neurodivergence. Sir Andrew McFarlane, President of the Family Division, emphasises the importance of understanding individual needs to improve participation and outcomes. Separate guidance for the judiciary is anticipated later this year.

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