Putting children and young people first in the family courts

Freedom of Information

Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, you have a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities, unless particular exemptions apply. The Act aims to improve the openness and transparency of public authorities, and Cafcass is committed to complying with this legislation.

Cafcass information

New information

If information you would like to see is not already published, you can make an FOI request. Please see below for details, or see our Freedom of Information factsheet.

Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 anyone can make a request for information to Cafcass (unless the information falls under one of the specific exemptions in the Act). You have the right to:

  • (a) be informed whether Cafcass holds the information specified in your request (unless an exemption applies)
  • (b) if that is the case, to have that information communicated to you within 20 working days.

A request can be made using the details below, giving your name, email address, the information you would like to access and the method of access (hardcopy or email) via:

Please note: As a consequence of the advice from Government in response to the Covid 19 pandemic Cafcass no longer receives any post  and all requests under the Freedom of Information Act must be made electronically. When the public health advice changes we will then be in a position to accept requests by post.

Information requested is usually free of charge (i.e. there is no charge by Cafcass, although the user would of course have to meet any charges by their internet service provider, personal printing costs, etc). In some cases if a large volume of information is requested in hard copy we may issue a fees notice for disbursement costs (printing and postage). Cafcass reserves the right not to process applications that cost £450 and more, in keeping with central government provisions. This does not impact on the information listed in the Publication Scheme.

  • Our policy is to be as open as possible, but we may withhold information if we consider an exemption applies. If we refuse to supply all or part of any information you have asked for we will write to you giving our reasons for refusal. The reasons will be based on the exempted categories under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

If you are unhappy with the way in which your request was handled you can request an internal review. A senior member of staff who was not party to the original decision on whether to release the information will review the manner in which the request was dealt and will either uphold or overturn the original decision.

The Act also provides for an appeal mechanism whereby you may apply to the Information Commissioner for a decision as to whether we dealt with a specified request in accordance with the Act. This can be done via [email protected] or Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF.

For more information please see our Freedom of Information factsheet and our Freedom of Information policy.

  • What are Cafcass guidelines and training on alienating behaviours?

    Further information can be found on our website here.

    The training we have which covers alienating behaviours is our Child Impact Assessment Framework Training (or CIAF training for short). There is guidance on the CIAF on the Cafcass website here.

    There is also access to a psychology service to discuss cases with a qualified psychologist if it is felt necessary by a Family Court Advisor in a case where alienating behaviours are present.

  • What training does Cafcass offer staff on coercive control?

    The training we have which covers coercive control is our Child Impact Assessment Framework Training (or CIAF training for short). There is guidance on the CIAF on the Cafcass website here.

    This also forms part of our induction training for people new in post. We have an eLearning regarding coercive and controlling behaviour which we recommend all of our private law staff complete.

    There is also access to a psychology service to discuss cases with a qualified psychologist if it is felt necessary by a Family Court Advisor in a case where coercive control is present.

  • I would like to confirm what training my FCA has received and the dates training occurred.

    Cafcass is unable to provide you with personal information belonging to an individual staff member.

    The information you have requested is personal data relating to a member of staff to whom Cafcass owes a duty of confidence.

    This information constitutes as personal data and engages Section 40(2) of the Freedom of Information Act, which exempts information which, if disclosed, would infringe on someone’s rights under the Data Protection Act.

    Cafcass Family Court Advisors are required to have a minimum three-years post qualified experience, including experience of working with highly vulnerable children and families. Further information on Family Court Advisors can be found here.

  • How many complaints have been made against my FCA?

    Cafcass is unable to provide you with personal information belonging to an individual staff member.

    The information you have requested is personal data relating to a member of staff to whom Cafcass owes a duty of confidence.

    This information constitutes as personal data and engages Section 40(2) of the Freedom of Information Act, which exempts information which, if disclosed, would infringe on someone’s rights under the Data Protection Act.

  • I would like all of the details in my case files

    Please make a Subject Access Request here.

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