26/02/2026

The Pathfinder Pilot Scheme is a new way of dealing with private children law proceedings that is being trialled in a number of locations across the country including Stoke-on-Trent.

It provides an alternative system to the existing Child Arrangements Programme (CAP), which is the framework in England and Wales used to help separated parents resolve disputes over where their children live and spend time.

While the Child Arrangements Programme prioritises out-of-court solutions that are child-focused, it has been criticised for being adversarial, stressful and expensive. Concerns have also been raised over delays and backlogs in the system, inconsistent assessments and a perception that contact with non-resident parents is prioritised over the safety of children when there are domestic abuse allegations.

How is the Pathfinder Pilot Scheme different from the existing Child Arrangements Programme?

The Pathfinder Pilot Scheme is designed to be a more investigative, multi-disciplinary system that responds to the Harm Panel Report, 2020. It aims to tackle delays, adversarial conduct and inconsistent safeguarding, placing a stronger focus on children’s best interests.

Core features of the scheme

  • Early, systematic risk identification:Information from the local authority, police and others is gathered so the court and social workers have a full picture of the family and children’s issues before any attended hearing.
  • Child Impact Reports (CIRs): These are prepared by Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) or the local authority. Child Impact Reports go beyond wishes and feelings and in addition assess the impact of parental conflict, domestic abuse, coercive control and other vulnerabilities. Evidence-based analysis is provided of how different proposals may affect the child’s short and long-term wellbeing.
  • Procedural reconfiguration: The first hearing is a ‘decision hearing’, intended to be a substantive, problem‑solving event. The court takes an inquisitorial, proactive role, shaping evidence requirements early, reducing duplication and ‘litigation drift’, and focusing resources on high‑risk cases. Emerging Ministry of Justice data suggests Pathfinder may improve outcomes, particularly where there are domestic abuse allegations, and could become the blueprint for a reformed, national Child Arrangements Programme.

What separated parents should expect from the pilot scheme

Under the existing Child Arrangements Programme, the court process starts when one parent files a Form C100 application to request a child arrangements order. The early stages of the process are procedural and often involve parents waiting for initial hearings, such as a First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA). Cafcass carry out basic checks and may produce reports later on. Multiple hearings are usually required.

Under Pathfinder, however, separated parents will have earlier, structured involvement from Cafcass and other agencies before any formal hearing takes place. Cafcass will carry out early and deeper information gathering soon after a case starts. This could include risk checks, talking to parents and, if appropriate, the child, in order to produce a Child Impact Report.

There is no immediate first hearing (FHDRA). Instead, judges use the CIR to plan next steps. For example, mediation, targeted support or a final decisions.

Beswicks’ family law solicitors’ conclusions on the Pathfinder Pilot Scheme

A child-centric approach with reduced focus on conflicting parental narratives has to be a good thing for both parents and children. Pathfinder encourages early engagement, a partnership approach among agencies and less reliance on court hearings. It also places the child’s voice front and centre and identifies risks to children at the earliest possible stage.

Pathfinder certainly has the potential to speed up decision-making, reduce the stress experienced by families and the cost burden placed on them. All of which should minimise any negative impact on the children at the heart of the child arrangements process.

Pathfinder is moving private law children proceedings towards a child‑centred, problem‑solving, inquisitorial model with earlier risk assessment and reduced adversarialism.

Need legal help with child arrangements?

For help with any child arrangements matter, please contact our experienced family law solicitors by phoning 01782 205000, 0161 929 8494 or emailing enquiry@beswicks.com.