The Journey Through Proceedings Mini-Series: Season 2

Introducing The Journey Through Proceedings 

We are proud to announce the launch of Season 2 of The Journey Through Proceedings. This mini-series brings the lived experiences of fathers at the heart of care proceedings. It is an essential listen for anyone working in, or affected by, the family justice system. Through honest accounts, the series explores the emotional realities fathers face, alongside the moments of strength and hope that can emerge in even the most difficult circumstances. 

In the first two episodes, we’ll hear directly from Michael, Lee, Danny and Ben, who all have lived experience of care proceedings. Episodes 1 and 2 end with reflections from experienced social work practitioner, Tim Fisher, offering insight into relational approaches to engaging with fathers in the family justice system. The third episode will feature Dr Georgia Phillip, an academic whose research over the past decade has focused on fathers’ experiences in this space, helping to place these individual stories within a broader context.  

We are incredibly grateful to all the fathers who took part in this series and feel privileged to be able to share their stories. Special thanks to Centre for Justice Innovation (CJI) for connecting us with some of the fathers whose contributions have been so meaningful. 

Episode 1: Being Seen

Our first episode explores the deep uncertainty many fathers experience at the very beginning of care proceedings. Through candid, first‑hand reflections, listeners hear how confusion about the process and feelings of exclusion can leave fathers feeling powerless as they approach court. The episode sheds light on how these early moments shape fathers’ trust in the system and their sense of whether they are seen, heard, or supported. 

The stories shared are compelling, and they underscore how important clarity, recognition and timely support are in helping fathers engage meaningfully and remain connected to their children during an intensely challenging time. 

Episode 2: During Proceedings

Episode 2 gets into the proceedings themselves, focusing on fathers’ experiences of moving through the family justice system and what needs to change. Listeners will hear how delay can leave life feeling on hold, and how judgement, inconsistency and limited support can undermine fathers’ confidence and engagement. The episode highlights the difference that clear communication, trust and relational, non-judgemental professional support can make, while also exploring where current processes fall short.  

Through candid stories and honest reflection, the episode offers insight into how care proceedings are experienced by fathers and why a more supportive, humane system is needed. 

Episode 3: Looking at the System – Now Available 

In our third episode, we step back from lived experience to reflect on fathers’ journeys through care proceedings with Dr Georgia Philip, an academic whose research focuses on fathers’ experiences of the family justice system. Drawing on years of research, Georgia helps make sense of the patterns shaping how fathers are seen, understood and engaged by services, and what this means for trust, identity and involvement as parents.We are very grateful to Dr Georgia Philip for bringing a research‑informed lens to these conversations, helping to situate fathers’ experiences within the wider family justice system and highlighting where assumptions, structures and professional cultures can either hinder or support meaningful engagement. 

What becomes clear through this discussion is that fathers’ experiences of care proceedings are shaped by more than individual interactions, and that the impact of the system often lingers long after key decisions are made. 

Listen Now 

All three episodes are available on Spotify. 

Listen to Series 1

Listen to the first series of the Journey Through Proceedings in which we heard from mothers about their experiences here.