Rebecca Minnock Case: FNF Comment
For immediate release: 13th June 2015
Rebecca Minnock Case: FNF Comment
News reports this morning (13/6/2015) confirm that Rebecca Minnock, the mother who appears to have absconded with her child before a court hearing to determine child arrangements, has been found safe and well with her son. The child has now been reunited with his father, who has not known his whereabouts for over 2 weeks.
This case is clearly incredibly difficult for all parties involved, and there are certainly no 'winners' in any dispute which needs to be resolved in the family courts. The charity is very happy to see that it is being resolved positively. One of the most important issues raised by this case is the importance of family courts taking firm steps to ensure that their orders are enforced.
Jerry Karlin, Chair of Families Need Fathers, said, "It is clear in this case that the court is standing by its responsibility to ensure that its orders are followed by both parties, and that it is to be commended. In too many cases, we see orders which have been made in the child's best interest simply ignored by a parent intent on forcing their former partner out of their child's life. Breaching orders and making false allegations causes serious harm to children and parents. It is important that courts send the clear message that compliance with Child Arrangements Orders is not optional, and that such breaches will always be treated with the utmost importance.
A parent putting their own interests above their child by flouting a court order is intolerable. This case should serve as a reminder to parents that failing to follow court orders can have very serious consequences. It should also signal a renewed intent on the part of the family justice system to ensure that the orders they make in the child's best interest will be enforced."
ENDS
For comment, case studies or information please contact: media@fnf.org.uk.
Note for editors:
Families Need Fathers (FNF) is a registered charity providing information and support on shared parenting issues arising from family breakdown, and support to divorced and separated parents, irrespective of gender or marital status.
Our primary concern is the maintenance of the child’s relationship with both parents.
Founded in 1974, FNF helps thousands of parents every year.
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