Vision for Reforming Family Law

Abstract

Children’s lives are invariably changed significantly once their parents make the decision to break up, separate and / or divorce. The extent of this impact, either positive or negative, varies with each child but often there are feelings of confusion, fear and heartbreak. The current structures and services that handle parental separation are adult-focused and children sometimes get lost in the chaos of separation. The Minister for Justice and Equality is currently looking at reforming the family law system in Ireland. Barnardos wants to influence that reform by putting the focus on children in separation cases and to stress the need for the best possible supports to help families deal with the upheaval of family breakdown.