VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Family Courts

Asked by Freddie van MierloLiberal DemocratMinistry of JusticeTabled Answered 18 June 2026UIN 9781

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, when the rollout of Child Focussed Courts will be completed in Oxfordshire and Berkshire.

Answered by Catherine Atkinson

The Child Focused Model is currently operating in 10 of 42 Family Court areas across England and Wales, with Hampshire and the Isle of Wight most recently starting the model on 6 January 2026. The Deputy Prime Minister has committed to national rollout of the model over the next three years, including expansion across eight areas in the North East, North West and Midlands this financial year.

National rollout will be delivered through a phased approach so that all areas, including Oxfordshire and Berkshire, are operating the model by 2029. Launch dates in court areas beyond those already announced will be agreed with operational partners in due course.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim