What we do
Cafcass champions the interests of children
involved in family proceedings, advising the family courts in
England on what it considers to be in the best interests of
individual children.
Cafcass’ professionally qualified social
work staff, called Family Court Advisers (FCAs), work exclusively
in the family courts. Examples of matters that may be decided by
family courts are:
- When children are subject to an application for care or
supervision proceedings by social services (public law). In these
instances our FCAs act as Children’s Guardians.
- An adoption application (public law). In these instances our
Family Court Advisers also act as Reporting Officers.
- When parents who are separating or divorcing can’t agree on
arrangements for their children (private law). In these instances
our FCAs act as Child and Family Reporters, or as Guardians ad
Litem if separate representation of the rights and interests of the
child is required (Rule 9.5 cases).
Our Purpose:
Cafcass has a statutory responsibility in England to ensure that
children and young people are put first in family proceedings,
their voices are properly heard, the decisions made about them by
courts are in their best interests and that they and their families
are supported throughout the process, no matter what form their
family takes in the modern world.
We have a role in relation to measures outlined in Every Child
Matters, which sets out five key outcomes for children, young
people and families:
- be healthy
- stay safe
- enjoy and achieve
- make a positive contribution
- experience economic well being.