New animated film seeks to help children & young people who are involved in family court proceedings

Cafcass has today launched the third film in its ‘Taking me seriously’ series.

Titled, ‘Meeting your Cafcass Worker’, this episode intends to support children to feel as comfortable as they are able, when they are talking about their experiences, their hopes, wishes and feelings. Children are encouraged to think about what they want to say to their Cafcass worker when they meet. 

As with previous films in the same series, ‘Letting you know how we help’ and ‘Sharing our recommendations with you’, the voices used are those of members of the Family Justice Young People’s Board , all of whom have personal experience of family court proceedings. This high-quality animation has again been produced by the company My Pockets to whom Cafcass is hugely grateful. 

One of Cafcass’ central ambitions is that children’s voices are the loudest in proceedings that are about them. Encouraging them to have the confidence to speak to a Family Court Adviser or Children’s Guardian is a critical part of finding and amplifying that voice. 

Speaking about why young people should watch the film, an FJYPB member said:

“Young people should definitely watch the film as it highlights the main process of meeting your Cafcass worker for the first time and that it's okay to have some worries because the Cafcass worker is there for you and your needs! “

“Professionals should watch the film as it gives an insight into how young people may be feeling before meeting for the first time, so professionals can truly take the time to consider the best way to approach the young people.”

Jacky Tiotto, Cafcass Chief Executive, said:

“For all children, regardless of their age, heritage, faith or gender, decisions about family life, seeing friends, where they go to school and the hobbies they have, are fundamental to emotional safety and well–being.  For some, who live with abuse and harm or conflict, these decisions are even more significant. 

Helping children to develop a relationship with an adult they can trust to bring their voices and experiences before the court requires us to think about how to do this well every day and in every engagement we have with them. 

This film is a really beautiful and genuine attempt to help children to describe what life is like for them and to encourage all adult professionals helping them to give time and priority to making this as safe and comfortable as it can be. I hope we all commit to engaging well and authentically as we seek to understand those who we are trying to help. 

My thanks go out to the FJYPB members, our Cafcass colleagues and the production company, My Pockets.”

You can also watch the British Sign Language (BSL) version of Meeting Your Cafcass Worker.