Cafcass are the independent advisors to the family courts about what is safe for children and in their best interests. They have a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children going through the family courts in England and Wales.
They employ lots of trained social workers, but Cafcass are independent from social services. They are called Cafcass officers (England) and Welsh Family Proceedings Officers (Wales).
The court sends Cafcass a copy of all child arrangement applications (the court form you have to fill out to start a court case) and asks Cafcass to complete a safeguarding check on the child and report back to the court if there is any risk of harm to the child. To do this they usually speak to the parties on the phone, and also contact the police and the local authority to see if they have any relevant information.
Cafcass have other responsibilities as a case progresses, which often include:
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Talking to the parties at court before the first hearing to try and help identify and narrow the issues.
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Reporting back to the judge about discussions that have taken place at court before the start of the hearing.
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Preparing a report with recommendations to the judge about the children’s welfare to help the judge make decisions.
Click here for the Cafcass website.
