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The annual Voice of the Child Conference

Logo showing Voice of the Child conference title and aims

Annual Voice of the Child Conference on 29July 2026

The annual FJYPB Voice of the Child conference is entirely led, organised and run by members of the FJYPB with a goal is to bring together the key professionals in family justice to deliver speeches, participate in a panel discussion, and lead workshops that are focused and on a wide range of key family justice topics. The conference also provides the opportunity to interact with and learn from board members and fellow attendees to discuss how to implement best practice when working with children and young people.

This year's conference took place on 29 July 2026 as a virtual event and the theme for the day was: 'Knowing our rights, growing up safe and happy.'

The conference was framed around children's understanding, of their rights, their safety, and their future. This was shaped by the voices of young people with lived experience of family proceedings, ensuring the issues that matter most to them are front and centre. 

Key themes and topics discussed throughout the day:
  • The legal bit: The day explored what children should be told about their rights, what adults need to do, and what children should be able to expect during family justice proceedings. Discussions focused on children's rights to information, participation and protection, and how these rights are applied in practice, particularly where children have experienced harm or were at risk.
  • What good support looks like: Another key area of focus on the day was examining child-focused approaches that help children and young people feel safe, informed and supported. Speakers and young people shared examples of how professionals can help children understand and exercise their rights in real situations, including cases involving domestic abuse where children are victims in their own right.
  • When it’s hard to speak up & helping children understand: Sessions focused on how professionals can recognise, hear and respond to children's views when communication is difficult because of age, disability, neurodiversity, fear, language barriers or external pressures. They also explored ways of making information more accessible and helping children understand who is involved in their case, what decisions mean, what may happen next and how their views are considered throughout the process.
Who attended?

The conference welcomed a wide range of professionals and stakeholders, including:

  • Family Court Advisers (FCAs)
  • Children's Guardians
  • Social Workers
  • Legal Professionals
  • Foster Carers
  • Teachers
  • Youth Advocates
  • Other professionals and individuals with an interest in family justice
Voice of the Child Conference Agenda 2026

10:00 AM – 11:10 AM - The conference opened with a welcome from FJYPB members, event updates and reflections on recent FJYPB work. Cafcass Chief Executive Jacky Tiotto delivered an opening address, followed by presentations from FJYPB members, an "In My Shoes" lived experience contribution and a video message from the President of the Family Division, The Rt Hon Lord Justice Stephen Cobb.

11:10 AM – 11:15 AM - Break

11:15 AM – 12:00 AM - Following a further "In My Shoes" lived experience contribution, guest speaker Lorraine Cavanagh KC, Co-Chair of the Association of Lawyers for Children, delivered a presentation on "Children who change the law." FJYPB members also shared examples of good practice that help children and young people feel safe, informed and able to understand and exercise their rights.

12:00 PM – 12:30 PM - Lunch

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM - The afternoon session began with another lived experience contribution. FJYPB members explored what helps when it is difficult for children and young people to speak up, including issues relating to age, disability, neurodiversity, fear and pressure.

Attendees also heard from:

  • Hema Johal, Cafcass Children's Complaints Manager, on understanding children's rights to complain and ensuring their voices are heard.
  • HHJ Matthew Entwistle and Lisa Harker (Director, Nuffield Family Justice Observatory), on hearing children's voices in public law proceedings.
  • Dame Nicole Jacobs (Domestic Abuse Commissioner), on recognising children as victims in their own right and understanding their rights in cases involving domestic abuse.

1:30 PM – 1:35 PM - Break

1:35 PM – 2:35 PM - A panel discussion was led by:

  • Jacky Tiotto (Cafcass CEO)
  • Lisa Pascoe (Deputy Director, Cafcass) 
  • Nigel Brown (Cafcass Cymru CEO)
  • Helen Waite (DfE Director of Children’s Social Care and Strategy)
  • Luke Taylor (MoJ Deputy Director Family Justice System Improvement)
  • Rachel Pascual (MoJ Policy Deputy Director)
  • The Honourable Mrs. Justice Henke (High Court Judge, Family Division)

The discussion focused on what helps children and young people feel safe, heard and actively involved in family justice processes.

2:35 PM – 2:40 PM - Break

2:40 PM – 3:00 PM - The conference concluded with closing reflections from FJYPB members, including a summary from the Head of Practice and a final message, pledge, key takeaway and challenge for attendees.

Video recordings of the 2026 Conference

If you missed this year's conference, then don't worry. The conference sessions were recorded, so you can watch them below by clicking on the titles of each session:

Previous Voice of the Child Conferences