Cafcass seeks ongoing dialogue with fathers' group
14 June 2005
Anthony Douglas, the Chief Executive of the
Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service – Cafcass –
has today issued an open letter to groups representing the
interests of fathers in private law disputes. In the letter,
Douglas emphasises his agency’s recognition of the distress
experienced by fathers who are struggling to maintain a
relationship with their children following separation.
“We believe it is important for organisations
like ours, working at the heart of the family justice system
throughout England, to show leadership on behalf of children and
their fathers, and to promote their common interest, unless there
are child protection concerns or domestic violence concerns
relating to either parent,” he writes.
“Our role is to look after the interests of
children when cases are referred to us by the courts and we
acknowledge that in the vast majority of private law cases this
will be best served by preserving children’s relationships with
both parents. That is one of our core values.”
The letter is issued following six months of
talks with the campaign group Fathers-4-Justice, during which time
the group agreed to cease its campaign of direct action against
Cafcass offices and staff. Douglas says he would like to see this
constructive dialogue and lowering of the temperature
continue:
“We do not want to be seen by fathers or
mothers who come to us for help as biased against them. In
our view, long-term dialogue is more likely to promote positive
change and a stronger joint understanding than conflict.”
Douglas comments that the work with father’s
groups is part of a broader strategy on the part of Cafcass to
support children and families through effective partnership working
– other partnership work currently underway includes a strategic
pact with the Association of Directors of Social Services.
“Our overriding priority will always be to
represent and safeguard the best interests of individual children
but we believe that building effective partnerships with a purpose
will benefit all children involved in family court
proceedings.”