About us
A campaign built by the people the system failed.
Putting Families First is a campaign dedicated to reforming a broken system that too often divides parents and damages children. By reforming we protect relationships, promote equality, and ensure that every child has the love and support of both parents.
Putting Families First began as a small group of parents in Portsmouth who had been through the family court system and recognised the same pattern again and again: long delays, adversarial process, and children losing a loving parent for reasons that had nothing to do with safety.
We are a community of people who have experienced the family law system, or know someone who has. Parents, grandparents, step-parents and professionals, people who know how it feels to be treated as a problem to be managed rather than a family to be supported.
We campaign publicly, we respond to government consultations, we support petitions, and we ask local councils to adopt practical commitments that don't require new legislation only will and leadership.
We are not a legal service and we cannot represent you in court. What we can do is give families a voice, keep raising the issues that get quietly ignored, and push for reform that protects children's relationships instead of quietly eroding them.
What we stand for
Our principles
Children first, always
Every position we take is tested against one question: does this protect and support the child?
Not mothers versus fathers
This is not a gender war. It is about children having stability, fairness and the full support of their family.
Safeguarding is non-negotiable
Where there is evidence of harm or abuse, contact must be restricted. Protection and parental equality are not opposites.
Evidence, not assumption
Allegations should be properly investigated and decisions supported by proper psychological and welfare evidence.
Want to be part of it?
Sign the petition, share your experience, or bring the charter to your local council.