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Trisan Hyatt, Family Law Barrister, 5 Pump Court Chambers
This article examines the growing recognition of the impact of trauma and the ability to engage and make meaningful changes on parents involved in care proceedings and argues that the family justice system must move from awareness to meaningful implementation of trauma-informed practice. Building on Dr Sheena Webb’s influential 2020 article Beyond the Timescales, the paper revisits the tension between the statutory 26 week timetable for care proceedings and the psychological realities of trauma recovery. Drawing on updated research, policy developments, and an interview with Dr Webb, the article highlights how many parents entering the system present with significant histories of adversity, including abuse, neglect, and post-traumatic stress.
The article argues that genuine reform requires embedding trauma informed thinking across the entire system, including social work assessments, legal advocacy, judicial decision making, and court processes. Ultimately, trauma informed justice is presented not as an aspirational ideal but as an ethical and practical necessity for fair and effective care proceedings.
The full article has published in the February issue of Family Law. Find out more or request a free 1-week trial of Family Law journal. Please quote: 100482
Read the full article here.
