Launch of the Disclosure of Information between Family and Criminal Agencies and Jurisdictions: 2024 Protocol
The Disclosure of Information between Family and Criminal Agencies and Jurisdictions: 2024 Protocol comes into effect on 1 March 2024. It replaces the 2013 Protocol and Good Practice Model: disclosure of information in cases of alleged child abuse and care directions hearings.
A group comprised of representatives from the judiciary, local authorities, police, National Police Chief’s Council and Crown Prosecution Service have devised and developed this Protocol through consultation and working together. It replaces the previous 2013 version to ensure practice remains relevant and covers all circumstances where there is to be an exchange of information and material between criminal and family agencies and jurisdictions.
The senior judiciary, which has approved this Protocol, wish to convey their thanks to the working group.
This new Protocol relates to all private and public family law proceedings, including contemplated public law proceedings, and all material held by the police.
It will be reviewed by a working group comprising the judiciary, local authorities, police and Crown Prosecution Service based on the experience of its implementation, in 2025.
The protocol is in three parts:
Part A: disclosure from the police to family proceedings
Part B: disclosure sought by an investigator
Part C: linked directions hearings