If you’re involved in court proceedings surrounding your child, you will come across words and procedures that you didn’t know existed, such as Cafcass.
Cafcass stands for the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service. Cafcass officers are social workers and will advise the Judge on what is in your child’s best interests.
Prior to the first court hearing a Cafcass officer will speak to you and the other parent on the phone. They will summarise their conversations in a letter to the court. You will receive a copy of this. The letter will also include checks against police and social services records for your family.
At the first hearing, a Cafcass officer will probably be present at court. They will speak to you and the other parent, either together or separately. They will try and find any issues which can be agreed and give you advice on the sort of recommendations Cafcass make. The purpose of the meeting is to help you reach an agreement with the other parent.
If your case continues, the officer may be asked by the court to prepare a written report on the disagreements between you and the other parent, and what outcome is in the is the best interests of your children.
That report will be really important to the final outcome of your case. Judges rely on Cafcass recommendations. There needs to be a good reason why a Judge would not follow the officer’s recommendations.
If you are worried about your court case, and want specialist expert legal advice, please get in touch.