The Children Act has sometimes been criticised for trying to do a balancing act between conflicting interests.
But the principle of children's best interests being paramount has produced some radical outcomes that reflect a cultural revolution in the way we perceive parenting.
The surprise is that it is lesbian partnerships that have successfully challenged the primacy of the traditional patriarch.
Judgements in two recent cases, now fully available on the internet, reveal just how far the legal system has moved away from the Tory government's absurd and malign representation in the 1980s of gay families as somehow not real, as 'pretend families'.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here
