Community directory

CAFCASS (Headquarters)

The job of the Chilildren and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS) is to safeguard and promote the welfare of children involved in family court proceedings. Its practitioners work with children and their families, making sure that children's voices are heard. The main types of cases in which the court asks CAFCASS to help are when:
* parents are separating or divorcing and have not reached agreement about arrangements for their children;
* Social Services have become involved and children may be removed from their parents' care for their safety;
* children could be adopted.

CAFCASS is independent of the courts, social services, education and health authorities and all similar agencies. Families are seen by appointment only, and only when referred to the services by the Court.