Maria Eagle, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Children, Young People and Families, today announced the re-appointment of Baroness Jill Pitkeathley as Chair of the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass).
Every child referred to Cafcass through the family courts will have a social work qualified practitioner allocated to their case within two days in broad-ranging proposals set out in a consultation paper – ‘Every Day Matters’ – launched today.
Today sees the publication of the review undertaken by HM Inspectorate of Court Administration (HMICA) of how domestic violence issues are addressed by Cafcass and administered within the family courts in Her Majesty’s Courts Service (HMCS).
Cafcass recognises the distress and anger many fathers feel in private law cases when their long-term relationships with their children are put at risk.
Anthony Douglas, the Chief Executive of Cafcass has today issued an open letter to groups representing the interests of fathers in private law disputes.
With effect from 1 April 2005, responsibility for the functions of the Children & Family Court Advisory and Support Service in Wales will become the responsibility of the National Assembly for Wales.
The appointment of a Children’s Rights Director signals a major step by Cafcass in placing children’s rights and participation by children at the centre of its service.
Cafcass has streamlined its senior management team to support new plans to provide a more effective and responsive service to children and families.