The family justice system, designed to act in a child’s best interests, is not always effective in doing so.
Children and families, professionals working in and with the family court, government, academics and others paint a picture of systems and services under immense pressure. Understanding how to improve practice to help children and families thrive in the future is sometimes limited by a lack of readily available administrative data, research evidence and opportunities to share knowledge and experiences across the system.
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory exists to find and fill the gaps in our understanding of the family justice system, highlight the areas where change will have the biggest impact, and foster collaboration to make that change happen. We are independent and relentless in our focus on ensuring children get the best support based on the best available information. In everything we do, our work is guided by the experiences of children and families across England and Wales.
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory was established by the Nuffield Foundation, an independent charitable trust with a mission to advance social well-being. Funding currently extends to 2026.
Making an impact: Our first
five years in review
Read about our impact in the last five years
Rooted in Evidence: Nuffield Family Justice Observatory Strategy 2022 – 26
Read our strategy and five goals for improving the family
justice system
The Family Justice Data Partnership provides Nuffield FJO with ground-breaking analysis about the family justice system.