Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) is an independent organization in England that provides advice and support to children and their families involved in family court proceedings. Its main role is to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in family court cases, including those under the Children Act 1989.
Cafcass operates in a number of ways, including:
Providing reports to the court: Cafcass officers may be appointed by the court to investigate and prepare reports on cases involving children, including those related to care and contact arrangements. These reports provide independent information to the court to assist in making decisions about the child's welfare.
Representing children: Cafcass officers may be appointed to represent children in family court proceedings where their welfare is at stake. The officer will gather information about the child's wishes and feelings and make recommendations to the court in the child's best interests.
Supporting families: Cafcass may also provide support and advice to families involved in family court proceedings, including signposting to other services and organizations that may be able to help.
Training and development: Cafcass also provides training and development to professionals involved in family court proceedings, including judges, social workers, and lawyers.
Overall, Cafcass plays a crucial role in promoting the welfare of children involved in family court proceedings in England. Its independent, child-centered approach ensures that the voice of the child is heard and that decisions are made in their best interests.