Navigating the Public Family Justice System: System Map

The public family justice system is a complex network of professionals, legal frameworks, and administrative bodies designed to protect children and support families. Understanding how these components interact is vital for anyone working within or navigating the court ecosystem. To provide clarity on this intricate landscape, we have developed an interactive system map that visualises the connections between key stakeholders and processes.

An interactive overview of the system

This system map aims to guide professionals through the different phases of the public to the family justice landscape in England and Wales. By utilising the Kumu platform, the map allows users to explore the relationships between local authorities, the judiciary, legal representatives, and support services such as Cafcass. It is designed to break down the "siloed" nature of information, offering a holistic view of the user journey and the systemic pressures that influence outcomes for children and families.

Why use this map

Visualising the system helps to identify "pain points" and areas where communication often breaks down. Whether you are a legal professional, a social care practitioner, or a researcher, this tool offers a unique perspective on the following:

• Creating a shared understanding: Many professionals operating within the court ecosystem do not share the same version of the truth regarding the roles and responsibilities of others. This map clarifies exactly what different stakeholders are responsible for at every stage of the journey. Understand the remit of each organisation and how their responsibilities overlap or diverge.

• Interconnected journeys. See how families move through different stages of proceedings and the various agencies they encounter along the way, reducing the uncertainty of what happens once a case leaves your direct remit.

• Systemic transparency. Gain insights into the data flow and the decision-making structures that underpin the family courts.

Explore the map

We invite you to engage with this resource to explore the mechanics of the family justice system. You can interact with the full, live version of the map to zoom into specific pathways, filter by jurisdiction, and access detailed information on individual elements. 

Click here to view the public family justice system map

How to use the map

The system map is designed to be interactive, allowing you to dive deep into the specific details of the family justice journey. Here is a quick guide on how to navigate the interface:

• Navigate the canvas. Click and drag your mouse to pan around the map. You can zoom in and out using your mouse wheel or the + and - buttons located in the top-right corner.

• Explore details. Click on any individual circle (element) to open a detailed profile in the side panel. This panel contains descriptions, specific responsibilities, and additional context for that part of the system.

• Focus on a specific area. If you want to strip away the noise and look at one particular professional or process, click and hold on an element. This will "focus" the map, highlighting that element and its direct connections while fading the rest of the system.

• Use the search bar. Looking for a specific organisation or role? Use the search bar in the top-left corner to quickly locate and jump to any part of the map.

• Reset the view. To return to the full overview at any time, click the "zoom fit" icon (the two arrows pointing toward each other) in the top-right toolbar.