Understanding CAFCASS and Children’s Services
Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS) is a government agency in the United Kingdom that works within the family courts to promote the welfare of children involved in legal proceedings. The organisation was established in 2001, following the merger of the Guardian ad Litem Bureau and the Family Court Welfare Service.
Role of CAFCASS
CAFCASS’ primary role is to represent the best interests of children in both public law and family court cases, including those involving divorce, separation, and child abuse. To fulfil this role, CAFCASS employs a team of trained professionals, including social workers, psychologists, and family court advisers, who work with children and families to assess their needs and provide support and guidance.
One of the key ways in which CAFCASS supports children is by providing independent advocates for children who are involved in legal proceedings. These advocates work with children to help them understand the legal process and to ensure that their voices are heard in court.
If you’ve been asked to take part in a CAFCASS interview or safeguarding call, our CAFCASS call preparation service can help you get ready and feel confident about what to expect.
In addition to advocating for children, CAFCASS also provides support and guidance to parents, helping them to understand their roles and responsibilities and to navigate the legal system.
CAFCASS also works to improve the overall effectiveness of the family court system by providing training and support to legal professionals, such as judges and lawyers, and by conducting research and gathering data on the impact of legal proceedings on children.
Many cases also involve a formal assessment known as a Section 7 report — our Section 7 report support service helps you understand what’s required and how to respond effectively.
Overall, CAFCASS plays a crucial role in promoting the welfare and best interests of children in the UK legal system. By providing independent advocates for children and support and guidance to families, CAFCASS helps to ensure that the rights and needs of children are taken into account in legal proceedings.
Controversies Surrounding CAFCASS
There have been several controversies surrounding the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS) in the United Kingdom.
One of the main controversies is related to the high turnover of staff at CAFCASS, which has led to concerns about the quality and consistency of service provided to children and families. This has been attributed to a high workload and pressure on staff, as well as a lack of resources and support.
Another controversy is related to the assessments carried out by CAFCASS, with some critics arguing that the assessments are often biased and unreliable. Additionally, there have been concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability in the decision-making process of CAFCASS, with some claiming that the agency is not sufficiently responsive to the needs and concerns of children and families.
There have also been criticisms around CAFCASS’ ability to ensure children’s voices are heard. Some have claimed that the agency does not have sufficient resources to provide independent advocates for all children involved in legal proceedings, and as a result, children’s voices are not heard in court.
For a closer look at parents’ real experiences, read our blog on CAFCASS reviews and parental concerns.
Another criticism is that CAFCASS is too focused on the legal system and not enough on the welfare of children, which can lead to children’s needs and best interests being overlooked in legal proceedings.
In general, there have been concerns that CAFCASS is underfunded and under-resourced, which has led to difficulties in providing effective and consistent support to children and families in the legal system.
What Do Children’s Services Do?
Children’s services, also known as child protection services, or “Socials”, are government agencies responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of children within a community. When children’s services become involved with a family, it is usually because there are concerns about the safety and well-being of the children in that family.
There are many different ways in which children’s services can become involved with a family. They may receive a report of abuse or neglect, or they may become aware of a family situation that poses a risk to the children’s safety or well-being. In such cases, children’s services will typically conduct an investigation to assess the situation and determine the appropriate course of action.
If children’s services determine that a child is at risk of harm, they may take steps to protect the child. This could include removing the child from the home and placing them in foster care, or providing support and services to the family in an effort to address the underlying issues.
In some cases, children’s services may work with the family to develop a plan to ensure the safety and well-being of the children. This may involve providing counselling, parenting classes, or other support services. The goal of children’s services is to help families overcome challenges and create a safe, stable environment for their children.
Discrimination Against Fathers
There are concerns that both agencies have received negative publicity for discrimination against fathers. In the UK, as in many other countries, there is a long history of fathers being disadvantaged in family law. This can affect their involvement in their children’s lives even after a divorce or separation.
One form of discrimination is the assumption that mothers are automatically the better parent, especially with younger children. This can result in fathers being denied meaningful contact, even when they are fully capable of caring for their children.
Another form of discrimination is the lack of support and resources available to fathers. Many dads don’t have the same access to legal aid, parenting support, or counselling. This makes it harder for them to advocate for their rights and maintain a strong bond with their children.
It’s important that CAFCASS and children’s services actively address these concerns. Equal opportunities, fair assessments, and father-inclusive practice must be central to how these agencies operate — because children benefit from having strong, healthy relationships with both parents.
If you’re navigating these challenges, our Fathers’ Rights and Child Arrangements service provides step-by-step support with clarity, preparation, and proven strategies for court.
How Independent Social Workers Can Help
If you’re a father affected by separation or struggling with child contact issues, working with an independent social worker can make a huge difference. They offer impartial guidance, help you understand the process, and support you in presenting your case calmly and effectively.
Don’t let the stress of the system consume you. Take the first step towards clarity and resolution — speak with a professional who understands the system from the inside out.
🧠 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
