Cafcass Operating Framework 2017
In August 2017 Cafcass released an update to their Operating Framework
They open the document by saying:
Our vision for outstanding practice:
The Operating Framework sets out how Cafcass works. It helps us to provide a consistent service to children and families throughout England, with a focus on continuous improvement. Our vision is to achieve positive change for children that continues long after family court proceedings are over. To achieve this, we must shine a strong light on children’s needs, and our recommendations to court should play a part in helping children’s lives to improve.
We must support every child. As an accountable and responsible Government organisation, we must also stay within our budget. To do that, the level of service in each case has to be affordable. Working proportionately means doing what is needed on each case, but not doing any more than that. Professional staff can be inspirational in brief strategic work, as long as they get to the heart of the issue quickly, engage strongly and work effectively, making best use of technology. All Cafcass support staff, and all backroom staff across the family justice system, play an equal part in this ambition – every number on a spreadsheet is an aspect of a case and therefore it is an aspect of a child.
The draft version, released for “consultation” can be viewed here:
The version it replaced can be viewed here:
When asked who Cafcass consulted with on the draft of the new 2017 Operating Framework they said:
Cafcass has a website through which interested individuals or organisations can access information about Cafcass. It is a channel through which Cafcass communicates with stakeholders and others, providing updates about the organisation.
The Operating Framework is a document which has been in existence for some years and our Chief Executive Anthony Douglas has been working on an updated draft for 18 months. He has drawn on feedback from inside and outside the organisation during the course of this redrafting process.
The update to the Operating Framework was mentioned in his Chief Executive’s report at Cafcass’ Open Board meeting on 15 June 2017.
We made a near final draft of the revised Framework available on the website so that any final constructive comments could be shared with Cafcass.
[EDITOR’S NOTE: CAFCASS SAY “The article and Operating Framework were published [on the Cafcass website] on 3rd July 2017.” IN RESPONSE TO BEING ASKED WHEN THEY PUBLISHED IT ON THEIR SITE… ALTHOUGH OUR OWN RESEARCH INDICATES THAT IT WAS PUBLISHED ON THEIR SITE ON OR AROUND TEH 18TH JULY 2017]
No organisations or individuals were told that the article was going to be published in advance of posting.
We have a record of Anthony Douglas mentioning, in written correspondence, that a draft version of the revised Operating Framework would be made available for comment on our website to the following organisations:
- Nagalro
- ALC
You can read more about the new Cafcass Operating framework here:
- Response to Cafcass re their new Operating Framework
- How long have Cafcass known about Parental Alienation
In a Family Law system designed for combative parents there is no real allowance for the views of children and any understanding of how Family Law ultimately impacts on children most of all.
We speak for the children in Family Law so that, finally, the children have a voice.