Overview

This bill amends the Children Act 1989 to include certain proceedings related to female genital mutilation (FGM) under the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 as family proceedings. This change aims to improve the handling of FGM cases within the family court system.

Description

The bill modifies the Children Act 1989 by adding a new clause to Section 8. This addition designates specific proceedings outlined in Part 1 of Schedule 2 of the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 (excluding paragraph 3) as family proceedings. This means that these FGM cases will now fall under the jurisdiction of the family courts, allowing for a more integrated and comprehensive approach to cases involving children. The bill applies only to England and Wales and will come into effect upon its passage.

Government Spending

The bill does not directly specify any changes to government spending. The impact on government spending is likely to be indirect, potentially involving increased costs associated with processing FGM cases within the family court system.

Groups Affected

• Children: Children at risk of or who have undergone FGM will be directly affected by the changes to the legal framework, potentially benefiting from enhanced protection and support within the family court system.
• Families: Families involved in FGM cases will experience changes in how these cases are handled and may face new legal processes within the family court system.
• Family Courts: Family courts will see an increase in their caseload related to FGM cases.
• Law Enforcement Agencies: Law enforcement agencies involved in investigating FGM cases may see a change in how evidence is presented and how cases progress through the judicial system.

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