What Does CAFCASS Do? A Short Guide

What is CAFCASS?

CAFCASS help to safeguard and promote the welfare of children going through the Family Justice System.

By putting the needs, wishes, and feelings of the children first, CAFCASS works together with parents or carers to independently advise family courts about what is safe for the child. This can include future living arrangements and decisions about their health and wellbeing.

What is a CAFCASS Parenting Plan?

Helping to clarify the arrangements needed to care for your child after separation, the Parenting Plan is a written document which involves both separated parties. It outlines the practical issues of co-parenting, helping everyone involved to know what is expected of them.

The Parenting Plan can provide an alternative to going to court, setting out the practical decisions regarding the child’s welfare, such as living arrangements, education, and health care.

However, if you do decide to go to court in the future, you will be expected to have started a Parenting Plan already.

How Does CAFCASS Safeguard My Child?

CAFCASS carries out checks with the police and local authorities to flag any known safety or welfare concerns for the child.

This is followed by a telephone appointment which allows both parties to outline any safety of welfare concerns. This allows parents or carers to individually express any immediate concerns which they may have in regard to their child’s safety. This appointment usually takes place close to the first hearing date.

From here, CAFCASS provides the court with a short report on the outcomes of the safeguarding checks and any concerns regarding their welfare. This is known as a Safeguarding Letter.

How Does CAFCASS Help in Court?

A duty CAFCASS officer will be at the hearing to work with both parties to resolve matters. If it has not been possible for CAFCASS to have completed all the required telephone appointments, the FCA will ensure any remaining concerns are raised and made available to the officer.

If there are no concerns, the FCA will work to form an agreement between both parties and create a Consent Order.

However, if a common agreement is not made, the court may order the parties to take part in a Separated Parents Information Programme. Alternatively, they may refer both parties to a Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting or ask CAFCASS to carry out more detailed work with the family.

Legal Advice at Eatons

Going through the Family Justice System can be a daunting experience, especially when the welfare of your children is involved. The expert team of family lawyers here at Eatons are here to guide you through your family law journey. Visit our website or contact us for more information.