CAFCASS

Cafcass represents children in family court cases in England advising the family courts about the welfare and best interest of children.

We put children’s needs, wishes and feelings first, making sure that children’s voices are heard at the heart of the family court setting, and that decisions are made in their best interests.

Our duty is to safeguard and promote the welfare of children going through the family justice system.

We independently advise the family courts about what is safe for children.

Our experienced Family Court Advisers may be asked by the court to work with families and then advise the court on what we consider to be the best interests of the children involved.

We work in three main areas:

• Divorce and separation - where parents and carers cannot agree on arrangements for their children
• Care proceedings - where the local authority has serious concerns about the safety or welfare of a child
• Adoption 

We make sure the voices of children and young people are heard when their family has to go to family court.

We also work with our partners in the family justice system to identify solutions to help reduce the continuing pressures of family courts and to improve the experiences and outcomes for children and families.