CHILDREN AND FAMILY COURTS ADVISORY AND SUPPORT SERVICE

Early day motion 282, tabled 22 October 2001 by Hilton Dawson (Labour). Signed by 48 members.

That this House notes that CAFCASS was established on 1st April to bring together the work of the Family Court Welfare Service, Official Solicitor, and guardians ad litem under the aegis of the Lord Chancellor's Department; considers the role of CAFCASS to be of crucial importance in ensuring the welfare of children involved in both family and care proceedings; is alarmed to observe that already 24 out of 52 managers of children's guardians have left the service, one of them with the statement that 'CAFCASS nationally is in a state dangerously close to paralysis'; is appalled that a judicial review on 14th September held that CAFCASS has acted unlawfully in withdrawing the option of self-employment for guardians; is extremely concerned that the centralisation of the service will undermine the ability of experienced professionals to offer independent support and representation for vulnerable children; and calls on the Government to institute an urgent and fundamental review of the service, taking full account of the views of children and young people, organisations representing them and the dedicated people who work within it.

Signatures by party: Labour 31, Liberal Democrat 12, Conservative 3, Plaid Cymru 1, UUP 1.