Coronavirus (COVID-19): Update on Cafcass preparedness

We continue to closely monitor the situation surrounding the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and are following official guidance from the government and the advice given by Public Health England.

As an essential public service, Cafcass is working hard to maintain its service to children and families in what are very challenging times. So far we have been able to keep our service going in all parts of the country. This has included offering parents and carers the option of using video link or telephone contact in place of some face-to-face meetings. From Friday 20 March, we closed down all our offices to the public and the majority of our staff started working remotely. We are putting in plans to ensure we continue to do deliver essential services as smoothly and effectively as the circumstances allow.

We appreciate this is a worrying and uncertain time for families and are doing all we can to help. Cafcass has created a new webpage with guidance to support children and families as the situation surrounding COVID-19 develops. This seeks to address the key questions we have already received and we will keep it updated in response to new developments or queries. Please use our contact us form if you have any further questions.

In addition to the new webpage, our resources for parents and carers provide additional information and links to organisations that can provide advice and support.

*This news story was last updated at 16:40 on 24 March 2020.