Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 26/08/2026CHART OF THE MONTH Between 2020/21 and 2024/25, the number of approved foster carers in England fell 12%. Over the same period, the number of children's homes grew 50% while the overall number of children in care increased only slightly. Learn more: www.nuffieldfjo.org.uk/data-tracker 000
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 24/08/2026New stories will be coming soon in our Seeding Change series, where we speak to people from across the family justice system to show diverse views on what families need to thrive and ways the system can improve. Read previous stories now: www.nuffieldfjo.org.uk/stories 010
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 29/07/2026SEEDING CHANGE Read stories of innovative practice from across the family justice system on our website now: www.nuffieldfjo.org.uk/stories 000
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 22/07/2026CHART OF THE MONTH A substantial minority of parents return to court within five years following private law applications. Learn more: www.nuffieldfjo.org.uk/data-tracker 001
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 08/07/2026NEW BOARD MEMBERS Nuffield Family Justice Observatory has appointed three new members to its advisory board. Read more: www.nuffieldfjo.org.uk/news/nuffiel...nuffieldfjo.org.ukNuffield Family Justice Observatory welcomes three new board members - Nuffield Family Justice ObservatoryHer Honour Judge Carol Atkinson, Her Honour Judge Carole Burgher and Ben Collins have joined the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory (Nuffield FJO) board. 101
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 18/06/2026This upcoming report by researchers at Lancaster University will represent an important step forward in understanding families’ journeys through the court process. The report will be available on our website soon. Keep an eye on our social media for updates. 031
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 09/06/2026In case you missed it, our webinar ‘Family Justice 2030: What a child needs’, which was attended by almost 600 professionals from across the family justice system, is available to watch in full online now. WATCH NOW: youtu.be/vRhZIEC9oFkyoutu.beFamily justice 2030: What a Child needs Webinar - Nuffield Family Justice ObservatoryYouTube video by Nuffield Family Justice Observatory 001
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 11/05/2026This event will be of particular interest to all those working in and around the family courts, including social workers, solicitors, barristers, judges and magistrates. Register to attend here: www.nuffieldfjo.org.uk/events/famil...nuffieldfjo.org.ukFamily Justice 2030: What a Child needs - Nuffield Family Justice ObservatoryTo mark the launch of our new five-year strategy, Nuffield Family Justice Observatory are hosting a webinar on June 03rd, 2026 001
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 29/04/2026WEBINAR - WEDNESDAY 3 JUNE 2026 - 4:30PM - 6PM This event marks the launch of our new five-year strategy and comes at a time when the government is also preparing a strategy for the family justice system. Register to attend here: www.nuffieldfjo.org.uk/events/famil... 000
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 24/04/2026CHART OF THE MONTH This month’s chart of the month shows that there has been a 7% increase in private law cases in comparison to 2024, which is the biggest annual increase in cases since 2015. Read more now: www.nuffieldfjo.org.uk/data-tracker 000
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 17/04/2026In case you missed it, our director, Lisa Harker, gave the Bridget Lindley Memorial Lecture this year on the subject of AI in the family justice system. Watch the full lecture on our website now: www.nuffieldfjo.org.uk/news/bridget...nuffieldfjo.org.ukImproving children’s lives: Holding on to what matters during the technology revolution? - Nuffield Family Justice ObservatoryIn 2026 the Bridget Lindley Memorial Lecture was given by Lisa Harker, Director of the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory. The lecture, entitled ‘Improving children’s lives: Holding on to what matter... 011
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 14/04/2026Read the updated toolkit, which aims to support family judges in writing to the children involved in the cases before them. We supported the toolkit's development, sharing findings from research on children’s experiences of family court proceedings. www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/u... 000
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 01/04/2026“As Lisa Harker of Nuffield Family Justice Observatory points out, good decisions are better than speedy ones.” Read this opinion piece from The Guardian, which looks at improved transparency in the family courts against the continued challenges of funding cuts: www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...theguardian.comThe Guardian view on family justice: transparency should help a flawed system to improve | EditorialEditorial: Increased openness is a change for the better. But cuts have made the courts’ work far harder 000
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 31/03/2026Our new data story considers some of the demographic trends in England and Wales for those young people who may be the parents of tomorrow, and the potential implications of these trends. Explore more from the data here: www.nuffieldfjo.org.uk/news/tomorro...nuffieldfjo.org.ukTomorrow’s parents: Understanding the family justice system of the future - Nuffield Family Justice Observatory 001
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 23/03/2026CHART OF THE MONTH Read more from this data, and previous charts of the month, on the Data Tracker, on our website: www.nuffieldfjo.org.uk/data-tracker 010
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 16/03/2026NEW BRIEFING PAPER Read our new briefing paper by our Associate Director Dr Ellie Ott: www.nuffieldfjo.org.uk/resource/dev... 013
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 12/03/2026SEEDING CHANGE - NEW STORY OUT NOW In the article, we speak to staff members at Project Unity as well as young women who received support from the programme. www.nuffieldfjo.org.uk/story/how-pr...nuffieldfjo.org.ukHow Project Unity is empowering care-experienced young mothers and breaking cycles of babies being taken into care - Nuffield Family Justice Observatory 001
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 11/03/2026NEW SEEDING CHANGE STORY COMING SOON This article will be available on our website soon. Keep an eye on our social media channels for updates. 000
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 10/03/2026VACANCY - Researcher (Maternity cover) We are looking for a researcher to support the work of Nuffield FJO by carrying out relevant data analysis and research on a range of topics relating to family justice. Find out more: www.nuffieldfjo.org.uk/news/vacancy...nuffieldfjo.org.ukVacancy: Researcher (Maternity cover) - Nuffield Family Justice ObservatoryWe are looking for a Researcher to join our team on a maternity cover basis. As a Researcher, you will support the work of Nuffield FJO by carrying out relevant data analysis and research on a range o... 010
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 05/03/2026Our updated briefing paper ‘AI in the family justice system’ is available to download on our website now. www.nuffieldfjo.org.uk/resource/ai-... 012
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 03/03/2026NEW BRIEFING PAPER COMING SOON An update to our 2024 briefing aims to prompt reflection and discussion on AI in the family justice system. The paper will be available to download on our website soon. Keep an eye on our social media for updates. 012
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 26/02/2026This month we take a look at data which shows that White and Mixed ethnicity children are more likely to leave proceedings on legal permanence orders (adoption and special guardianship) Explore this and other data on our data tracker now: www.nuffieldfjo.org.uk/data-tracker 000
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 18/02/2026Our new WhatsApp channel provides a new convenient way to sign up to our events and download our research from your phone. Sign up now via the QR code or link: whatsapp.com/channel/0029... 001
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 17/02/20261/2 We welcome this new protocol which has a clear focus on ending the practice of same-day hearings for newborn babies. www.judiciary.uk/guidance-and...judiciary.ukHave your say on guidance relating to short notice applications in the family courts - Courts and Tribunals JudiciaryRegister for the online webinar on Thursday 26 February, and take part in the consultation, which closes on Monday 13 April at 5pm 101
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 13/02/2026Join our WhatsApp channel for a new way to stay up to date with our research and events while on the move. Sign up at the QR code below, or via this link: whatsapp.com/channel/0029... 001
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 02/02/2026"By listening to young people and trying new things, we can make meaningful improvements for children, even at some of the most difficult points in their lives." - Nuffield Family Justice Observatory Associate Director, Jude Eyre www.cypnow.co.uk/content/in-d...cypnow.co.ukCare proceedings pilot helps young people 'feel heard' by judges - CYP NowA project that saw young people meet family court judges improved their trust in the care proceedings process and strengthened professionals' decision making, explains Jude Eyre, associate director fo... 012
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 26/01/2026CHART OF THE MONTH This month we look at publicly funded mediation, which has seen a substantial decline since 2013, with a 60% drop in assessments over 12 years, and a halving of successful agreements. Read more on our website now: www.nuffieldfjo.org.uk/data-tracker 002
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 16/01/2026This new report will highlight the experiences of both young people and professionals, providing insights and perspectives as to how the meetings might work better. We will share updates on our LinkedIn and BlueSky when the report is published on our website. 020
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 17/12/2025CHART OF THE MONTH This month, NFJO's Associate Director (Research and Data) Dr Eleanor 'Ellie' Ott explores the data in more detail in a blog post. Read more here: www.nuffieldfjo.org.uk/news/whos-in... 010
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 16/12/2025For this month's Seeding Change story we spoke to the team at YMCA Leicestershire and The Y Theatre about their work with the young people who come to live in supported housing. Read the article here: www.nuffieldfjo.org.uk/story/how-ym... 020
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 03/12/2025In this month's Seeding Change story we'll be learning about how YMCA Leicestershire and The Y Theatre create environments of support and empowerment for young people in supported housing. Available on our website soon. Keep an eye out for further updates. 020
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 25/11/2025CHART OF THE MONTH - NOVEMBER November is #NationalCareLeaversMonth. In this month's chart of the month we look at what data tells us about care leavers' pathways into higher education, where vocational pathways are more common Explore the data: www.nuffieldfjo.org.uk/data-tracker 011
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 24/11/2025"We would not tolerate these circumstances for our own children, so why do we allow it for children who are in the care of the state?" NFJO Director Lisa Harker analyses new figures on supported accommodation and what they mean for children in care www.bigissue.com/opinion/supp...bigissue.comShocking number of children in care live without consistent love of an adultLisa Harker of the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory, analyses figures on supported accommodation and what they mean for children in care. 011
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 18/11/2025WEBINAR TODAY - 12:00 - 13:00 (Online) What words do you think come to mind for parents when they think about their relationships with social workers? Join us as we discuss changing reported negative dynamics between parents and professionals working in children’s services. lnkd.in/emvKC324 010
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 18/11/20251/3 These new briefing papers highlights learning points from a peer collaborative convened by Nuffield Family Justice Observatory focused on improving support for for children in complex situations. 110
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 10/10/2025We've noticed some new followers so wanted to share some information about how we work at Nuffield Family Justice Observatory. Read more here: www.nuffieldfjo.org.uk/about 011
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 07/10/2025NEW SEEDING CHANGE STORY - ON OUR WEBSITE NOW Read the full story: www.nuffieldfjo.org.uk/story/reduci...nuffieldfjo.org.ukReducing trauma and maintaining connections with HOPE Boxes when newborn babies and their mothers are separated - Nuffield Family Justice Observatory 012
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 30/09/2025NEW STORY COMING SOON In our latest Seeding Change article we will be looking at how HOPE Boxes are reducing trauma and maintaining connections when newborn babies and their mothers are separated The story will be available to read on our website soon 011
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 30/07/2025Our new briefing paper 'Residential family assessment centres: Data trends and questions' examines the patterns around the increasing number of new registrations of residential family assessment centres across the country. Read more here: www.nuffieldfjo.org.uk/resource/res... 001
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 29/07/2025NEW BRIEFING PAPER - AVAILABLE NOW 'Residential family assessment centres: Data trends and questions' Read and download the paper here: www.nuffieldfjo.org.uk/resource/res... 031
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 28/07/2025This new briefing paper will be available to read and download in full on our website very soon. We will also be sharing highlights from the paper across our Bluesky and LinkedIn. 000
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 15/07/2025In the UK, 93% of 16-year-olds stay at home with their families. They can’t vote, drive, or get a credit card, so it’s little surprise they’re not ready to live independently. In this article Lisa Harker explores how it’s a very different story for children in the care system - ow.ly/kvLO50WntBKow.lyGeneration abandoned? - Nuffield FoundationYoung people in care are being left further behind: we need to examine why care is not providing the right foundation for adulthood 000
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 10/07/20251/2 Earlier this year, the President of the Family Division, the Rt. Hon. Andrew McFarlane published a toolkit for judges to help them in writing to the children involved in the cases before them. www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/u...judiciary.uk 100
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 07/07/20251/2 Gaps in data and a lack of a joined up plan to improve data collection is leading to a "data desert" that seriously impedes improvements to services in the family justice system, according to this article from Law Gazette. www.lawgazette.co.uk/news-focus/i...lawgazette.co.ukIn depth: Family data desert is impeding improvement to court servicesMPs hear that the government's approach to improving family court services for children is being impeded by information gaps and the lack of a joined-up plan to enhance data collection and analysis. 101
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 04/07/2025Good data is a vital part of a just and effective family justice system. In any organisation, the choices about what is measured reflect priorities; in Lord Darzi’s words, ‘What gets measured, get managed’. Read more from this newly published report : www.nuffieldfjo.org.uk/resource/chi... 010
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 03/07/2025NEW PAPER Good data is a vital part of a just and effective family justice system. Reliable, meaningful data not only enables people to track progress against aims and objectives but also brings transparency to how the system operates. www.nuffieldfjo.org.uk/resource/chi... 011
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 01/07/20251/2 This blog post from Lucy Reid highlights the importance of child participation in court proceedings, giving an example of a case where the children felt heard and understood: transparencyproject.org.uk/if-i-had-to-...transparencyproject.org.uk‘If I had to live with mum I’d jump out of the window’ - Why two boys ended up living with their dadOn the day I saw them trot across the court waiting room on the way back from meeting the judge, Jamie and Andrew* were 10 and 14. I didn’t know that at the t 122
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 26/06/20251/3 Today, the MoJ released the latest figures on the applications for the number of children subject to deprive them of their liberty under the inherent jurisdiction of the high court, through their Family Court Statistics Quarterly release. www.nuffieldfjo.org.uk/news/data-re...nuffieldfjo.org.ukData released by the Ministry of Justice shows 321 children subject to DoL applications January to March 2025 - Nuffield Family Justice ObservatoryNewly-released Ministry of Justice (MoJ) information shows that 321 children subject to DoL applications from January to March 2025 100
Reposted by Nuffield Family Justice Observatory Academy of Social Sciences @acadsocsciences.bsky.social · 18/06/2025C/W: suicide. According to the Ministry of Justice, 1,280 children were subject to deprivation of liberty orders in 2024 in England & Wales. Lisa Harker, @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social, joins Will Hutton to explore what potential alternative approaches could look like. podfollow.com/the-we-socie... 111
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social · 25/06/2025NEW REPORT COMING SOON We will be publishing this new report very soon and will announce the publication on our LinkedIn and Bluesky. Keep an eye out for more. 010