Publication of the national review into the murder of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes

Cafcass was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of Arthur and the impact this will have had on his mother, his family and people who knew him.

Today, as the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel publishes its report, we welcome the opportunity to learn and reflect on our work with children and families.

The court appointed Cafcass to consider whether Arthur should have contact with his mother in prison. Arthur’s Family Court Adviser considered a number of factors, including his emotional and social needs, his wishes and feelings. This is why the Family Court Adviser recommended to the court that contact with Arthur’s mother should be reinstated.

As a result of our own internal reflections and a commitment to learn from our involvement in Arthur’s life, we are considering whether and how wider family members who are not party to court proceedings can be more routinely involved, especially when they are closely connected to the children who are subject to those proceedings.