Family is one of the most important parts of life. It shapes who we are, how we grow, and where we feel safe. For children especially, family protection, love, and support are not just natural needs — they are rights.
In Sierra Leone, the government understands how important it is to protect children and support families. That is why there is a special system called the Family Court. The Family Court exists to help solve problems within families in a way that protects children and keeps their best interests at the centre.
Sometimes families go through difficult times — maybe parents cannot agree on where a child should live, or a child needs protection from harm, or there is confusion about who is responsible for financial support. When these issues come up, the Family Court can help.
This blog explains how the Family Court works in Sierra Leone in a simple, friendly way, so students, parents, caregivers, teachers, and community leaders can understand it clearly.
By the end, you will know:
- What the Family Court is
- The rights of children under the law
- How cases begin and proceed
- The types of decisions the court can make
- Why privacy, mediation, and community involvement matter
- Where recent laws like the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (2024) fit in
Let's begin.
What Is the Family Court?
The Family Court is a special type of court. It does not deal with criminal cases or cases about business or land. Instead, it handles family matters, especially those involving children.
The Child Rights Act of 2007 created Family Courts in Sierra Leone. Later laws like the Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment Act and the 2024 Prohibition of Child Marriage Act strengthened family protections.
The Family Court deals with matters such as:
| Type of Issue | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Custody | Who the child lives with and who makes decisions for them |
| Parentage | Legally confirming who the parents are |
| Maintenance | Financial support for the child's daily needs |
| Access (Visitation) | When and how a parent can spend time with the child |
| Care Orders | Removing a child from harm and placing them somewhere safe |
| Protection Orders | Stopping abuse, neglect, or violence affecting a child |
Unlike regular courts, the Family Court is not meant to feel intimidating. It tries to create a safe and calm environment so children feel protected.
Why Children's Rights Matter
Children are not miniature adults. They are developing, learning, and growing — and that makes them vulnerable.
The Child Rights Act (2007) protects children's rights in Sierra Leone. Some of these rights include:
- The right to education
- The right to be safe from violence, abuse, or neglect
- The right to medical care
- The right to a name and nationality
- The right to express opinions about issues affecting them
The Family Court uses something called the Best Interests of the Child Principle. This means:
Every decision must put the child's safety, health, and future first — above the wishes of adults.
For example:
- If parents fight over who gets custody, the court won't simply pick sides. Instead, it will ask: Which option gives the child stability, safety, and emotional well-being?
- If a child is being abused or neglected, the court can step in quickly to protect them.
Who Works in the Family Court?
The Family Court is made up of:
| Role | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Family Court Judge | Leads the case and makes final decisions |
| Panel Members | Community members trained in children's issues, gender, or social work |
| Social Workers | Investigate family situations and provide reports |
| Lawyers (optional) | Represent the parties |
| Mediators | Help families agree without a long court fight |
Judges and panel members receive special training to understand children's emotional and psychological needs. This is important because children may feel scared or confused about legal processes.
How Does the Family Court Process Work?
The court process is designed to be respectful, child-friendly, and fair.
Step 1 — Filing a Case
A parent, guardian, or sometimes a child (through a representative) submits a complaint. This could be about custody, access, maintenance, or protection.
Step 2 — Preparation
The court reviews the complaint. It may request:
- Social worker reports
- Medical or school records
- Witness statements
- DNA testing (especially in parentage disputes)
Step 3 — Hearing
Hearings are private and informal. The judge listens to both sides and may speak to the child in a calm, safe setting.
Children's voices matter — but only if it is safe for them to speak.
Step 4 — Decision
The judge then gives an order. The order has legal power and must be followed.
Step 5 — Enforcement
If someone refuses to follow the order, the court can take action. This may include fines or additional legal measures.
Types of Court Orders
The Family Court can make different types of orders, depending on the situation.
1️⃣ Custody Orders
- Sole custody: One parent is the main caregiver
- Joint custody: Responsibilities are shared
2️⃣ Access / Visitation
This allows the non-custodial parent to spend meaningful time with the child.
3️⃣ Maintenance Orders
This order ensures the child receives financial support to cover:
- School fees
- Food
- Clothing
- Healthcare
- Housing
4️⃣ Care Orders
Issued when a child is unsafe at home. The child may be placed with:
- A relative
- A foster family
- A legal guardian
- A child-protection home
5️⃣ Protection Orders
Used in situations involving:
- Violence
- Abuse
- Neglect
- Forced marriage
The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (2024) also supports protection orders by banning marriage under 18 with NO exceptions.
Privacy and Confidentiality
Family Court cases are private. This protects children from embarrassment, judgment, and shame.
Journalists cannot report identifying details. Confident families come forward more willingly when they know their privacy is protected.
Community Support and Mediation
Not all family problems need a judge.
Sierra Leone also has:
- Child Welfare Committees
- Child Panels under the Child Rights Act
- Community mediation services
These groups help families resolve disputes peacefully, sometimes avoiding court entirely.
Why This System Matters
The Family Court protects:
- Children's rights
- Their dignity
- Their future
When children are protected, the whole country becomes stronger.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Simple Answer |
|---|---|
| Do I need a lawyer? | No — but having one can help. |
| Are children expected to speak in court? | Only if appropriate and safe. |
| How long do cases take? | Some are quick; others require reports and take longer. |
| Can decisions be changed? | Yes — if circumstances change, orders can be reviewed. |
Conclusion
The Family Court system in Sierra Leone exists for one main reason:
To make sure every child is safe, heard, protected, and cared for.
Families may face challenges, but they do not have to face them alone. The law — and systems like the Family Court — are here to help.
If you or someone you know needs support, reach out for help to organisations such as Rainbo.
Asking for help is a sign of strength, not shame.
Together, we can build a Sierra Leone where every child grows up safe, loved, and protected.
Want to learn more about the Family Court System?
Use Sabi Salone to search through Sierra Leone's comprehensive database of laws, policies, and research related to family court and child protection.
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Sabi Salone. (2025). How the Family Court System Works in Sierra Leone: A simple guide for families. Retrieved from https://sabisalone.tech/blog/family-court-system-sierra-leone
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Sabi Salone. "How the Family Court System Works in Sierra Leone: A Simple Guide for Families." Last modified 2025. https://sabisalone.tech/blog/family-court-system-sierra-leone.