The House of Lords Amendment 12 to clause 11 (parental involvement) of the Children & Families Act 2014 made the involvement of both parents with their child or children post separation either 'direct or indirect'. (Parliamentary Note). But ARTICLE 9 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child states,

 

3. States Parties shall respect the right of the child who is separated from one of both parents to maintain personal relations and direct contact with both parents on a regular basis, except if it is contrary to the child's best interests.

 

The Convention on the Rights of the Child guarantees children 'direct' involvement. It should be a child's 'right' not a 'privilege' to a relationship with both parents post separation and this change to private family law in the UK represents a significant violation of the UN Convention.

 

"Very many thanks for sending me a copy of your interesting and informative guide on 'even Toddlers Need Fathers'. I much appreciate your drawing my attention to it"

Professor Sir Michael Rutter, 13 March 2002

 

"It was thoughtful of you to enclose a copy of your book 'even Toddlers Need Fathers' and Her Majesty has noted your concerns"
Buckingham Palace, 26 July 2006​

 

A "history of responsible campaigning and writing on issues relating to family relationships"

Lord Justice Thorpe, Vice President of the UK Family Division, 30 July 2004

 

"I am very grateful to all those, like yourself who have written and particularly where you have been able to demonstrate your own thinking from the experiences you have had. Congratulations on your battle"
The former Home Secretary, and dad, David Blunkett, 22 March 2005​