Siblings, contact and the law: an overlooked relationship?

The primary aim of ‘Siblings, Contact and the Law’ is to fill a knowledge gap and enhance engagement with key stakeholders working in family justice about contact between siblings in public law proceedings, an issue that affects an increasing number of vulnerable children. By identifying the impact of the shifting legal framework and practitioner and expert assumptions about siblings underpinning current legal decision-making, it aims to provide a firm foundation for developing new materials to guide policy, and promote reflexive practice. In establishing a new research agenda in law on an overlooked issue, it will provide a firm foundation for identifying further questions for research and policy reform.

The research will involve a mapping review of the law, cases and socio-legal research about child siblings, and contact and interviews with members of the judiciary, legal practitioners and guardians. Guided by a Young People’s Participation Group, the study will at all stages involve and be informed by the views and perspectives of young people.