Cafcass Support to Consultation Paper Proposals
21 July 2004
The Children and Family Court Advisory and Support
Service (Cafcass) has given an enthusiastic welcome to Government
proposals, launched today, to improve the support offered to
families going through separation.
Parental Separation: Children’s Needs
and Parents’ Responsibilities – a government consultation paper -
outlines a range of proposals to increase the effectiveness of
private law proceedings.
Chair of Cafcass, Baroness Jill Pitkeathley
said: “Earlier support and intervention for separating
parents offers a much better chance of resolving contact
disputes. That must be in the best interests of the child and
that’s why it’s got to be a top priority”
Proposals include:
- Better access to information and advice for separating
parents
- Revision of, and promotion of the use of, Parenting
Plans.
- Review of current family legal aid criteria to promote earlier,
more consensual resolution of disputes.
- Introduction of a solicitor accreditation system for family law
specialists.
- Continuing to support the use of mediation and to pilot the use
of the “Collaborative Law” approach. Piloting the use of the
“Collaborative Law” approach, and giving parents the strongest
possible encouragement to agree to mediation.
- Expanding use of in-court conciliation services to all families
in dispute in advance of formal court hearings, except in cases
involving allegations of harm.
- Support to the judiciary and the Court Services as they develop
guidance on how best to manage private law cases. Issues of
judicial continuity and reducing timescales will be part of the
success criteria.
- Ways to achieve more effective follow-up of court orders to
ensure they are being properly implemented.
- Potential legislation to give courts additional enforcement
powers.
Baroness Pitkeathley added: “Through these
proposals, the value of Cafcass is acknowledged and allows us to
help shape the future direction of this sensitive area of family
law. But it is vital to work in partnership with the
judiciary and the Courts Service. Their role in changing
expectations of what Cafcass workers should provide is crucial.
“Turning these initial ideas into workable
plans poses a formidable challenge, but the benefits of doing so –
for the thousands of families and children we support every day –
will be immense.”