Problem
The family justice system is one of the most complex and cross-system policy areas within children’s services. Unacceptable delays in family courts have been a long-standing issue for over 10 years, resulting in poorer outcomes for children and additional costs to local authorities and the taxpayer. The project aims to reduce delays by introducing cross-system collaboration, data improvement, and practice innovations to complete proceedings within 26 weeks for improved outcomes for children and families.
Solution
We created a website with an accompanying AI assistant designed to support local authority practitioners and children’s social workers navigating care proceedings and pre-proceedings for children and young people in England and Wales.
Outcome
The publicly available website is a ‘good practice guide’ supports practitioners by providing quick, simple access to policy and procedural information, such as help understanding the Public Law Outline (PLO) process. It also helps drafting documents, preparing for court, and supporting with cases going through court pre-proceedings or care proceedings, saving significant time and effort.