A LEADING national family charity based in Devon has welcomed a new law, effective this week, that reinforces the importance of children having relationships with both parents following a family breakdown.

The ‘parental involvement’ change aims to encourage parents to be more focused on children’s needs following separation and the role they each play in the child's life, requiring family courts to presume that each parent's involvement in the child’s life will further their welfare, where it is safe.

“Professional mediators from the National Family Mediation network have been working hard to help both separating parents put their children’s needs first for over 30 years,” said Jane Robey (image attached), Chief Executive of National Family Mediation, based in Exeter.

“So to have this key principle enshrined in law, with the court expectation that both parents should be engaged in the child’s future, is a welcome step forward.”

The change is the final part of the Children and Families Act 2014 to be implemented.

It became effective on October 22.