A UNION has raised concerns about a pilot scheme allowing journalists to report on family court proceedings for the first time. 

The 12-month pilot, due to be rolled out in Leeds, Cardiff and Carlisle from the end of January, will allow accredited journalists to report on cases providing they protect the anonymity of families. 

Up until now, reporters have been able to observe hearings but could only report on details allowed by the judge. 

Family courts deal with complex issues, including deciding where children should live when parents cannot agree and where there are allegations of abuse. 

They also have powers to order children to be taken into care. 

The changes have been made to address concerns about the “secretive” nature of family courts. 

Family courts president Sir Andrew MacFarlane has previously said that laws restricting reporting have had the effect of “undermining confidence in the administration of family justice to a marked degree.”

But Napo, which represents family court and probation staff, has raised fears the move could put family court advisers at risk of harassment and online abuse. 

“This is uncharted territory,” the union’s general secretary Ian Lawrence told the Star. “Napo supports the concept of transparency as long as it benefits the parties involved in these highly emotional cases. 

“But we remain vigilant about the potential for harassment or social media abuse of anyone involved in these cases.” 

Mr Murray said that restrictions on reporting under the pilot gave him a “degree of confidence,” but added he remained sceptical as “leaks of information” could take place. 

Under the pilot, journalists will not be able to name social workers, or family members. 

The changes have been cautiously welcomed by lawyers. A Law Society spokesperson said: “Transparency and open justice are important to help the public understand how the law works and how decisions are made. 

“Provided it’s done in a sensitive manner, such reporting will be a valuable tool in re-educating the public. It can also raise awareness of what the rule of law means and why it’s important.”

Family justice groups, and women’s rights organisations have long called for reforms to the family court system, which has faced accusations of secrecy and of “siding with abusers” in domestic abuse cases. 

Almost two-thirds of family court cases feature allegations of domestic abuse, according to 2017 figures from charity Women’s Aid.