PETITIONRejectedPetition · petition.parliament.uk
Strengthen Safeguarding and Mandate Checks in Family Court Cases.
Reform the Children Act 1989 to keep the presumption of parental involvement but make it safer — by mandating DBS checks on new partners, ongoing risk assessments, and independent oversight to protect children while preserving safe parent relationships.
Last fetched 03 May 2026 · petition.parliament.uk
Signatures
8
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 8/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 8/100,000
Background
The 2025 Review showed the family courts often prioritise contact over safety, but removing the presumption entirely would punish safe, loving parents. Reform must focus on stronger safeguarding — mandatory DBS checks, ongoing risk reviews, and independent oversight — to protect children while preserving safe parental bonds.