Cafcass Safeguarding Call Introduction:
CAFCASS safeguarding calls can be a game-changer in family law cases. When concerns pop up, CAFCASS passes the baton to Children’s Services — experts in both private and public law. Let’s dive into how they handle the complex dance between these two worlds.
If you’re not yet familiar with the CAFCASS call itself, start with our guide to what happens during a CAFCASS call.
In this guide:
What Triggers a CAFCASS Safeguarding Call?
The CAFCASS safeguarding call could be the trigger for involving Children’s Services if the officer is worried that the children in the private law case may be at risk of harm. It’s not just paperwork — it’s a shift from sorting parental arrangements to dealing with serious child safety issues. This handover is crucial for tackling challenges head-on.
What Do Children’s Services Do?
Social workers at Children’s Services wear two hats. They handle private law cases — like sorting out who a child stays with — and public law cases, where a child’s safety is in jeopardy. This dual expertise gives them a unique edge in addressing concerns in private law cases.
Private Law Know-How
Children’s Services social workers have working knowledge of private law, especially Child Arrangements Orders. They use this insight to assess how parental dynamics might affect the child. Their goal is to make decisions that put the child first, while understanding the family context.
In some cases, their input may shape or escalate matters toward a Fact-Finding hearing — especially where allegations are raised.
Public Law Experience
In public law, Children’s Services are pros. They handle serious safeguarding concerns — including cases where a child might need to be removed for their own safety. Their ability to switch gears between private and public proceedings is what sets them apart.
Navigating the Mix
The crossover between private and public law is where Children’s Services operate best. They move from helping resolve disputes over Child Arrangements Orders to taking decisive action in high-risk situations. It’s a delicate balancing act — and one they’re trained for.
From a Personal Perspective
Working in this field isn’t easy. Children’s Services social workers face emotional strain and heavy responsibility. But they show up with compassion and professionalism — ensuring the child’s needs always come first.
Conclusion
In family law, the CAFCASS safeguarding call can bring Children’s Services into play. Their expertise across both private and public law is vital for handling complex safeguarding concerns.
Dads’ Consultancy plays a crucial role in supporting fathers through this process. We help you navigate CAFCASS calls, respond to safeguarding concerns, and understand how to work with both CAFCASS and Children’s Services.
If your case progresses beyond a CAFCASS call and you’re asked to attend court, make sure you also read our Position Statement support guide — a well-structured statement can make a major difference.
🧠 Insider Insight: Lach, our founder, is a qualified social worker who used to write Section 7 reports for CAFCASS — the very reports that influence court outcomes. Now he helps dads respond to them. Learn more about Lach’s background.
👉 Learn more about how we can support you or book a free consultation today
