Parents in England who refuse to let the other parent see their children could face curfews and compulsory community service under proposals the consitutional affairs secretary has proposed. The suggestions come after blistering criticism of the existing family court system and a growing momentum for change fostered by fathers’ rights groups. Here’s a description of the suggested changes and the political turmoil around them from the BBC.
Included in the new plans is an increased emphasis on making voluntary mediation available and making it easier for parents to get access to legal, emotional, and practical advice by telephone and over the Internet. The conservative shadow secretary for the family has already rejected the proposals as “inadequate.”