Claire O’Flinn considers the thorny issue of family relocation
In July 2009, research conducted by Dr Marilyn Freeman for the reunite Research Unit and funded by the Ministry of Justice was published (Relocation). The foreword by Mr Justice Singer claims that the “research provides a valuable adjunct to the growing debate on the topic of relocation” but as this article will explore, the reliability of the research conclusions is questionable.
Relocation of children has a serious impact on a number of families each year in England and Wales. In 2008, 122 cases were reported to the reunite advice line and this is probably only a fraction of the cases which involve relocation.
The reunite research study is a stark contrast to ongoing projects in New Zealand and Australia. The Centre for Research on Children and Families in New Zealand is due to report on 31 December 2009 with its findings from a three-year project. The research will include longitudinal data resulting from interviewing family members from 100 families. Family members were interviewed twice with a year between interviews.
In Australia, a six-year longitudinal
