Civil Partnerships

In December 2005 the Civil Partnerships Act came in to force which allowed same-sex couples to formalise their relationship for the first time.

Cohabitation

The project undertaken by the Law Commission on cohabitation focuses on the financial hardship suffered by cohabitants or their children on the termination of a relationship by separation or death.

Domestic violence and forced marriage

Addressing violence against women is an important issue on the policy agenda. Find details below of current policy, acts, and guidance.

Equality and Human Rights

Find details here about the Equality and Human Rights agendas including Bills, Acts, Green and White Papers and consultations.

Every Child Matters

In 2003, the Government published a green paper called Every Child Matters. This was produced alongside the formal response to the report into the death of Victoria Climbié, the young girl who was horrifically abused and tortured, and eventually killed by her great aunt and the man with whom they lived. Following the consultation the Government published Every Child Matters: the Next Steps, and passed the Children Act 2004, providing the legislative spine for developing more effective and accessible services focused around the needs of children, young people and families.

Family

For key policy papers on the family and family law.

Green Papers on family and relationships

In the lead up to the general election the Government and the Centre for Social Justice have both published Greeen Papers on the family.

Marriage

This section provides details of the key Acts of Parliament on marriage.

Teenage pregnancy, PSHE and SRE

Teenage pregnacy has become an increasingly important feature of government policy. You will also be able to find in this sections details about Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education and the Sex and Relationships Education curriculum.

The Children's Plan

In December 2007 the Department for Children, Schools and Families published it's Children's Plan the aim of which is "to make this country the best place in the world for children and young people to grow up". Some of the key tenets of this plan are particularly relevant for families. For example, strengthening and supporting families particularly during the formative early years of children’s lives and involving parents fully in their children's learning.

The Coalition

This section includes the latest documents from the Coalition government which are relevant to the field of family and relationships.