Planning Together For Children (Cafcass)
Planning Together for Children is a course that supports parents to think about the needs of their children first when they are working out how they c...
The Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) is a non-departmental public body, set up to promote the welfare of children and families involved in family court. It was formed in April 2001 under the provisions of the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000 and is accountable to Parliament through the Ministry of Justice.
What Do Cafcass Do?
Their main duty is to safeguard and promote the welfare of children going through the family justice system.
The Court can order that a Cafcass Officer prepare a report on the issues and make recommendations to the Court about the most appropriate arrangements for the children. These recommendations will have a significant influence on the eventual outcome of the application. It goes without saying that in these cases where parents can’t agree things about children, the Cafcass report’s recommendations may not please both parents.
Can You Change Your Cafcass Officer?
It is important to note that the Cafcass Officer is appointed by the Court and it is not possible to change the Cafcass Officer because you do not agree with the conclusions they have reached.
If you do not agree with the recommendations that the Cafcass Officer has made it is possible to challenge their conclusions in the Court and the judge will give you this opportunity.
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The only charity in the UK dedicated to child contact, by providing safe spaces where children can meet the parents they don’t live with.
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External Resources
Cafcass
This comprehensive website contains a lot of information on Cafcass and its governance as well as useful information and guidance for parents going through the family courts.
Cafcass Cymru
Cafcass Cymru is an organisation in the Welsh Government that provides a voice for any child in Wales that is involved with the Family Justice system.
National Association of Child Contact Centres
The National Association of Child Contact Centres (NACCC) is a registered charity and an umbrella organisation which sets the National Standards to which Child Contact Centres must work. Child Contact Centres are neutral places where children of separated families can enjoy contact with non-resident parents, and sometimes other family members, in a comfortable and safe environment. Every year, this national organisation, via its member centres, supports families and children in their local community.
