§ Earl Russellasked Her Majesty's Government:
How they propose to address the interaction between a new system of child support and the mediation system under the Family Law Act; and what interdepartmental consultations are in progress on this subject. [HL2491]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Social Security (Baroness Hollis of Heigham)The Government want to develop an active family policy which links children's rights and parents' responsibilities. An active family policy requires that child support works effectively with other legislation which affects the family—in particular the Children Acts and the Family Law Acts.
This department has been working with the Lord Chancellor's Department to ensure that information about child support is given to separating couples during the information meeting pilots required under the Family Law Act. We also want to make sure that child support contributes to mediation and negotiations on care for the children between parents who are separated. At its best the child support service should allow separating parents to sort out their financial arrangements quickly and efficiently. This is why we propose a radically simpler assessment process and focus on a first-class service for all parents. This simplicity and transparency will contribute to an active family policy and will sit well with the mediation system under the Family Law Act.