8th November 2024

As we reflect on the urgent need for systemic change in child protection and family law, a significant development comes from the Children and Families Truth Commission’s first report, which has been endorsed by the University of Birmingham. This report highlights the profound issues within the child welfare system, echoing many of the concerns raised in my work, particularly in The Stealing of Emily series.

The Truth Commission’s findings are both shocking and deeply concerning. The report reveals serious violations of fundamental rights, underscoring systemic failures in how families are treated by the courts and child welfare services. Some of the key findings include:

Violation of Article 8:

• 93% of families said they did not receive the support they asked for, either from their local authority or other services.
• 90% of respondents said they were not offered support by their local authority for the issue that led to their child being removed.
• 94% of families reported that their contact with their child was unjustly denied or restricted.
• 86% said they were not told they could apply for post-adoption contact.
• 76% of respondents said they were not given information about parental responsibility during the life of their family’s case.

Violation of Article 6:

• 69% of respondents said their legal representation was not fair, supportive, or independent.
• 62% of families said they were not given access to the relevant documents and information used to decide that their child should be removed from their care.
• 82% said the court did not receive or hear all the available information about their case.

Violation of Article 14:

• 67% of families reported that their mental health was used as evidence to claim they were unable to care for their child.
• 93% of parents said they were treated unfairly or badly by child welfare professionals or services, with many citing discrimination based on:
  • Complaints made about services (73%)
  • Mental health (54%)
  • Social background (39%)
  • Financial situation (36%)
  • Disability (35%)
  • Gender (34%)

One harrowing quote from the report illustrates the stark realities faced by parents: “My child died, I asked for help, and they took all my other children away.”

The Truth Commission’s findings expose the very issues that The Stealing of Emily seeks to address: a lack of transparency, the unjust treatment of families, and the violation of fundamental rights. In my book, I explore these challenges and the often hidden truths about family courts and the child protection system.

In a final and powerful step, the Truth Commission has submitted this report to the House of Lords, hoping to prompt meaningful change and reform within the system. This action underscores the importance of its findings and signals the urgent need for action to address these deep-rooted issues.

I strongly encourage you to read the Commission’s findings, as they provide a chilling look at the injustices that families endure, which I aim to shed light on in my own work. It’s time to demand accountability and reform for a system that too often prioritizes bureaucracy over the well-being of children.

To learn more about the Children and Families Truth Commission’s important work and its impact, visit their report preview here: Children and Families Truth Commission Report.

Let’s stand together in calling for justice, transparency, and systemic change in the way family law operates.