CAFCASS stands for the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service.

It is an independent organisation that works with the Family Court in England and Wales to help ensure that decisions about children are made in their best interests.

CAFCASS officers are often involved in Family Court cases where parents cannot agree on arrangements for a child.

CAFCASS is not the same as social services.

The role of CAFCASS is to help the court understand what arrangements are likely to be best for the child.

They provide information, assessments and recommendations to help judges make informed decisions.

CAFCASS does not represent either parent. Their focus is always the welfare of the child.

Depending on the case, CAFCASS officers may:

• carry out safeguarding checks with the police and local authorities

• speak with the parents involved in the case

• speak with the child (depending on age and circumstances)

• gather information from schools or other professionals

• prepare reports for the court.

Their role is to provide the court with an independent view of the child’s situation.

Shortly after a C100 application is submitted, CAFCASS usually carries out initial safeguarding checks.

These checks involve contacting the police and local authorities to see whether there are any known concerns relating to the child or family.

The information helps the court understand whether there may be any risks or welfare concerns.

In some cases, the court may ask CAFCASS to prepare a Section 7 report.

This is a detailed report that looks at the child’s circumstances and may include recommendations about what arrangements would be in the child’s best interests.

No.

CAFCASS provides advice and recommendations, but the judge makes the final decision.

The court will consider CAFCASS input alongside all other evidence in the case.