Family Information and Custody Bill 

A Bill 

To establish the right of close relatives to obtain essential information regarding the wellbeing and whereabouts of family members, and to prioritise relatives in custody and guardianship decisions. 

1. Short Title

This Act may be cited as the Family Information and Custody Act 2026. 

2. Definitions

For the purposes of this Act: 

• “Relative” means a parent, sibling, or child of the individual concerned. 

• “Information holder” means any person, organisation, or authority lawfully possessing information regarding an individual’s health, wellbeing, or whereabouts. 

• “Confidentiality request” means an explicit instruction issued by an individual stating that information about them must not be disclosed to a specified relative. 

• “Custody” includes guardianship, care responsibility, temporary placement, or any legal authority over a minor or dependent adult. 

• “Lawfully obtained information” means information acquired in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. 

3. Right of Relatives to Information

• 3.1 Where a relative requests information regarding the health, wellbeing, or whereabouts of another relative, the information holder shall disclose such information if: 

• (a) the information was lawfully obtained; and 

• (b) no confidentiality request has been issued by the individual concerned. 

• 3.2 Disclosure under this section shall be: 

• (a) accurate; 

• (b) timely; and 

• (c) limited to information necessary to answer the request. 

• 3.3 An information holder who refuses disclosure without lawful justification shall be subject to penalties under Section 8. 

4. Confidentiality and Personal Autonomy

• 4.1 Any individual may issue a confidentiality request preventing disclosure of their information to a specific relative. 

• 4.2 A confidentiality request must be: 

• (a) explicit; 

• (b) recorded in writing or digital form; and 

• (c) acknowledged by the information holder. 

• 4.3 No disclosure may occur where a valid confidentiality request exists, except where permitted under Section 5. 

5. Safeguarding Exceptions

• 5.1 Information may be disclosed despite a confidentiality request where: 

• (a) the individual is at immediate risk of serious harm; 

• (b) the individual lacks capacity to make informed decisions; or 

• (c) disclosure is required by court order. 

• 5.2 Disclosures under this section shall be proportionate and strictly necessary. 

6. Custody Priority for Relatives

• 6.1 In any custody, guardianship, or care placement decision, relatives shall receive first priority over non‑relatives unless: 

• (a) the relative is deemed unfit; 

• (b) the placement would endanger the individual; or 

• (c) the individual has expressed a clear preference otherwise. 

• 6.2 Authorities must document and justify any decision to bypass a relative in favour of a non‑relative. 

7. Duties of Information Holders

• 7.1 Information holders shall establish procedures for: 

• (a) receiving and verifying requests from relatives; 

• (b) recording confidentiality requests; 

• (c) issuing timely responses; and 

• (d) maintaining compliance with this Act. 

• 7.2 Failure to maintain such procedures constitutes a breach of statutory duty. 

8. Offences and Penalties

• 8.1 Knowingly withholding required information without lawful justification is an offence. 

• 8.2 Penalties may include: 

• (a) fines; 

• (b) disciplinary action for professionals; 

• (c) civil liability for damages. 

9. Appeals and Review

• 9.1 Any party affected by a decision under this Act may appeal to a Family Court. 

• 9.2 The court may: 

• (a) order disclosure; 

• (b) uphold confidentiality; 

• (c) revise custody decisions. 

10. Commencement

This Act comes into force on a date appointed by the Secretary of State. 

11. Extent

This Act extends to England and Wales.