Government accepts recommendations on family justice framework

SINGAPORE — Following a one-month long public consultation in May, the Committee for Family Justice has finalized its recommendations on the new framework of the family justice system today (July 4), which aims to develop a more robust family justice system to better protect and support families.

The recommendations have been accepted by the Government.

Feedback gathered during the public consultation period expressed support for the interim recommendations and suggestions were considered by Committee, especially in areas focusing on children’s welfare and interests, helping families resolve disputes early and amicably, and helping families better navigate the court system.

Some of the public suggestions the Committee has included in its final report are identifying schools as an important touch point and providing comprehensive training to judges in the Family Justice Courts.

The recommendations focus two key areas. The new system will provide better support to families to resolve disputes through networks of assistance such as community touch points and new divorce specialist agencies. A separate Family Justice Court will also be set up to resolve disputes more effectively, and reduce trauma and acrimony in the divorce process.

Committed to implementing the recommendations, the Government will introduce a new Family Justice Act to establish the Family Justice Court.

“The recommendations are aimed at creating a comprehensive, end-to-end family justice system. The government and the Judiciary are committed to better protecting and supporting families is distress, at every step of the journey,” said Ms Indranee Rajah, Senior Minister of State for Education and Law and co-Chairman of the Committee.

The Committee, in the next stage of their work, will look into other specific aspects of the system such as enforcement of maintenance orders, and the resourcing and training of social service professionals and judges.