Cafcass has recently (Feb 2023) published a new range of accessible advice for parents and professionals involved in family court proceedings.
The ‘top tips’ have been written by the Family Forum established by Cafcass in September 2021 as part of its ambition to listen more closely to what families say about their experiences of Cafcass’ work with them.
The Cafcass Family Forum comprises a group of parents, carers and extended family members who have had direct experience of family court proceedings.
Their purpose is to help Cafcass to understand how families experience proceedings and to use that learning to influence and improve the effectiveness of practice. This includes working with Cafcass to review and improve information and resources available to families going through the family courts.
For parents involved in private law court proceedings (where arrangements are agreed for children after parents have divorced or separated), the Cafcass Family Forum members have devised ten top tips for separating parents to help them think about how they can minimise the damaging impact of separation and court proceedings on their children.
These tips include:
- Court proceedings should be the last resort. Court can be expensive and you may not get the desired outcome. Think of other ways to resolve the issues such as mediation, before going to court.
- When the important adults have good communication with each other, the child can see that they have their best interests at heart.
- If your child is struggling emotionally, speak to professionals and seek support from their school or GP.
You can read the full list of tips for parents involved in private law family court proceedings here and there is more information for separating parents here on the Cafcass website.