The Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS) is a national non-departmental public body for England and Wales set up to safeguard and promote the welfare of children involved in family court proceedings. It was formed on 1 April 2001 under the provisions of the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act and is accountable to Parliament through the Department for Education and Skills. CAFCASS is independent of the courts, social services, education and health authorities and all similar agencies.

CAFCASS looks after the interests of children involved in family proceedings. It works with children and their families, and then advises the courts on what it considers to be in the children's best interests. CAFCASS only works in the family courts. Examples of matters that may be taken to family courts are:

• when parents who are separating or divorcing can't agree on arrangements for their children;
• an adoption application or
• when children are subject to an application for care or supervision proceedings by Social Services

Baroness Pitkeathley OBE is the current Chair of the CAFCASS Board, which includes eleven other members.

Anthony Douglas is the current Chief Executive and Accounting Officer; he is supported by the Corporate Decisions Group, nine regional managers and the Director of CAFCASS Cymru.

External links

• CAFCASS home page (http://www.cafcass.gov.uk)
• MSCI Reports on CAFCASS Inspections (http://www.mcsi.gov.uk/204.htm)
• NAPO home page (http://www.napo.org.uk/)
• Committee on the Lord Chancellor's Department: CAFCASS Report (http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/cm200203/cmselect/cmlcd/614/61402.htm)
• Instance of how the CAFCASS complaints procedure has operated in practice (http://www.equalparenting.org/Download/FAMILY%20X%20CASE%20STUDY%20TIMELINE%2015.11.04.pdf)