The Ministry of Justice could come under pressure to fund and accelerate the expansion of ‘Pathfinder Courts’, following an independent review of the murder of 10 year old Sara Sharif, published by the Child Safeguarding Practice Review, on 13th November 2025. The review highlighted a need for Private Law Proceedings (when parents, or other family members cannot agree arrangements for a child/ children) to have the same status as Public Law Proceedings (when the Local Authority/ Government step in to make decisions regarding a child/ children), when considering the safety of children, enabling professionals to see and meet with children early on in proceedings, when making initial decisions.
It is understood that the Pathfinder pilot which began in Dorset and North Wales in 2022, and since has expanded to other parts of Wales, West Yorkshire and the Midlands, could have made a substantial difference to the way in which Sara’s situation was understood. The Pathfinder is a pilot programme to reform Private Law children cases, under a new investigative approach, designed to improve how the Courts handle child arrangements disputes, particularly those involving allegations of domestic and child abuse. The intention is to shift the focus from litigation to early risk assessment and safety, prioritising a child’s welfare, attempting to reduce delays and improve support to victims, whilst promoting inter-agency working.
It is hoped this can be achieved by early information gathering, engagement with the child or children, early risk assessments, intervention and decision making, and some cases to include a review stage 3 to 12 months after a final order is made.
The Child Safeguarding Practice Review found that the overall process of the Private Law Proceedings that Sara was subject to did not maintain sufficient focus on Sara’s needs, her cultural heritage and her Father and Stepmother’s ability to provide her with safe care. These proceedings were pivotal and had powerful influence on professionals involved in the proceedings who assumed that the relevant assessments had been carried to out to ensure that Father was providing a safe and loving home to Sara. Instead, Sara was subjected to abuse likened to torture, before she was found murdered in August 2023.
The suggested reform to Private Law Proceedings strives to eradicate potential safeguarding risks not being recognised or appropriately addressed within proceedings, This reform could provide life saving for the most vulnerable children, like Sara, prioritising children in Private Law Proceedings in the same way they are within Public Law Proceedings, even when it is a ‘dispute between parents’, especially so if safeguarding concerns have been raised by any adult involved within proceedings.
If you have any concerns regarding a child, or if you are currently in Court Proceedings, at Johnson Astills, our specialist family law solicitors offer expert advice and representation for cases involving children.
Contact us today to speak with a member of our Family Team or Care Team for advice or to find out more about our services by giving us a call at your local branch in Leicester or Loughborough, or by filling in our online enquiry form.
