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Cafcass introduces practice quality standards for working with children and families through public

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Cafcass has today introduced practice quality standards for working with children and families in private law family court proceedings and updated its practice quality standards when working with children, families and partners in public law proceedings.  

The standards are designed to support Family Court Advisers and Children’s Guardians in their practice and to deliver on our ambition that every child receives an exceptional and consistent experience when they and their family are in family court proceedings. 

Both sets of practice quality standards have been developed following extensive collaboration with practitioners and with external partners involved in the delivery of family justice. Within Cafcass, they provide the basis for induction, supervision, training, practice audits, practice observations as well as case record and learning reviews. 

Cafcass Chief Executive, Jacky Tiotto, said: 

“Our ambition, to be published as part of our new strategy 2023 – 2026 in July, is that all children who need the support of Cafcass through their family proceedings, will have an exceptional experience with us. This means, taking the time to make relationships with them, to learn about what is happening for them, what they want and need for their futures. It also means making good assessments about what is safe and in their best interests, paying full attention to any harm they have experienced and understanding the risk of future harm that may exist.  

Our intention is that all children understand why Family Court Advisers make the recommendations they do and that they have the opportunity to express a view about themselves in the reports that are submitted to the family court. The practice quality standards set down the expectations we have for Family Court Advisers working at Cafcass. They hold everyone to account in respect of our ambitions and responsibilities and their introduction is another important step forward in enabling us to continue to make further improvements in all that we do. I believe that is what children have the right to expect of us and I also believe it is what they deserve.”