From 15 July 2026, an interim measure will allow family providers to delegate the grant of legal representation exclusively for Child Focused Model cases (previously known as Private Law Pathfinder). This applies where a decision to grant legal representation has already been made up to Family Help (Higher).
What providers need to do
When recording the CCMS amendment for these cases, providers must:
- include a reference to the case being a Child Focused Model case in the statement of case
- record the use of delegated functions
The tables of Delegated Authorities (Merits Criteria Regulations) will be updated to support this interim measure.
Duration
There is no fixed end date for this interim measure. A longer-term solution will be developed in due course.
Background
This interim measure addresses the operational challenges for legal aid providers caused by accelerated timelines under the Child Focused Model pilot.