CAFCASS

CAFCASS stands for Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service. They are independent of the courts, social services, education and health authorities and all similar agencies.

They represent the children in family court cases and they make sure that the children’s needs, wishes and feelings are heard and that decisions are made in the best interests of the children.

Their Family Court Advisers (sometimes known as CAFCASS Officers) are asked to work with families and then they advise the court on what they consider to be the best interests of the children.

An Adviser or Officer is likely to contact both sides when an application for a child arrangements order is made. They will try to speak to each side separately by phone and may want to speak to the children too. For more information on CAFCASS and their role in the process, follow this link www.cafcass.gov.uk.