Gingerbread exists to support single parent families. We believe that when both parents want to be involved in their child’s life, and it is safe for this to happen, this is in the best interests of the child. However, the current presumption of parental involvement in law puts children at risk. This is because it puts adult rights above children’s welfare, which is why we support today’s announcement that it is to be repealed.  

The presumption, introduced in 2014, tells family courts that it’s in a child’s best interests to have both parents involved in their life, unless there is evidence to the contrary. In theory, that sounds reasonable. In practice, it has led to unsafe contact arrangements, where concerns about domestic abuse or controlling behaviour are minimised or overlooked. In some cases it has been a factor in child homicides. 

Repealing the presumption does not mean excluding parents or discouraging co-parenting. It means removing a legal bias that puts children at risk because of continued contact with an abusive parent. It restores the central principle that decisions about a child’s contact with their parents should start from ‘what arrangement keeps this child safe and supports their wellbeing?’ 

The family courts must be guided by evidence, not assumption, and by children’s welfare, not parental entitlement. Repealing the presumption of parental involvement is an important step toward a safer, fairer system for all families.