CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service)
A national, independent public body in England that safeguards and promotes the welfare of children involved in family court proceedings by representing children’s interests and advising the courts on what is in a child’s best interests.
CAFCASS is important because it ensures that children’s safety, welfare and best interests are central to family court decisions, especially in situations where adults are in conflict or where there are safeguarding concerns. It provides the court with an independent, child‑focused perspective that is separate from parents, local authorities and the court itself.
CAFCASS plays a key role by assessing risk, hearing children’s wishes and feelings, and identifying safeguarding concerns, including domestic abuse, neglect or other forms of harm. Its professional assessments and recommendations help judges understand the child’s lived experience and make informed decisions that prioritise the child’s wellbeing.
By acting as a consistent advocate for the child, CAFCASS helps prevent children from being overlooked in what can otherwise become an adult‑focused legal process, supporting fairer, safer and more child‑centred outcomes in family justice proceedings.