Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 21
21
Deferred
Thorough review of Section 28 implications required before further expansion.
Conclusion
The rollout and expansion of section 28 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999, which allows pre-recording of evidence and cross-examination for children and vulnerable witnesses, is an important step in improving the experience of these witnesses in the criminal justice system. However, it is vital that a thorough review of the practical and procedural implications of the use of section 28 is undertaken before there is any further expansion of its use. (Paragraph 69) Listing in the Crown Court
Government Response Summary
The government's response discussed efforts to improve family courts and promote mediation, including a £5.1 million commitment to the Mediation voucher scheme, completely deflecting from the recommendation about reviewing Section 28 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
This Government is committed to ensuring the family courts are available to those who need it most. Where it is appropriate and safe to do so, the Government wants to support parents/carers so that they can resolve their issues earlier and without coming to court. The government has committed a further £5.1 million to continue the Mediation voucher scheme during financial year 2022/23. This will deliver around 10,400 vouchers. The scheme provides a contribution of up to £500 for the costs of mediation to separating families with a dispute over child arrangements. The aim is to encourage as many families as possible to explore mediation as an alternative to court and reduce the growing number of outstanding private law cases. The Family Mediation Council, who administer the scheme, report that 8,625 families have taken up mediation vouchers as of 22 May. We agree that more needs to be done to meet the scale of the challenge. We are developing an ambitious programme of reform which will include a range of measures to help families reach an agreement without the need for court. This includes work to increase the number of parents attending the Separated Parent’s Information Programme (SPIP) earlier in the court process. This programme helps to reduce conflict between separating parties and ensures they are focused on the best interests of the child Civil and Family Courts—County Court