Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the (a) understanding of and (b) consideration given to autism in the family court system.

The Department has not undertaken a formal assessment of the overall adequacy of understanding or consideration given to autism in the Family Court system. A range of measures, however, are in place to support neurodivergent children and families and promote fair treatment throughout proceedings.

All HMCTS staff are required to undertake mandatory workplace adjustments training, which includes neurodiversity including autism spectrum conditions.

The judiciary is supported by the Equal Treatment Bench Book, which provides detailed guidance on neurodivergence, including autism. This helps to ensure fair and appropriate treatment, improve communication and support effective participation in proceedings.

The Family Justice Council has published guidance on neurodiversity in the family justice system, which supports practitioners to identify potential barriers to participation, understand access to justice issues and adopt best practice in recognising and accommodating neurodivergence. This guidance is available at: https://www.judiciary.uk/guidance-and-resources/family-justice-council-guidance-on-neurodiversity-in-the-family-justice-system-for-practitioners-2/.