ABSTRACT

Utting argues that, ‘No discussion of the scope for prevention would be complete without considering the ability of the law and the legal system to inhibit or exacerbate the more adverse consequences of family breakdown’ (1995, p. 66). The way in which legislation and the legal system operates partly reflects and often partly influences community values about family life (such as marriage and divorce). It is within this context that many debates about the extent and nature of variation and diversity within families occurs (for example, debates about single parents or lesbian mothers). The law needs to recognise the rights of families, this would best be done through the notion of Family Citizenship being enshrined in legal practice.