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Members directory
Research projects
Publications & orders
Advice & resources
About the consultation with services
Learn more about CAFCASS (The child and family court advisory and support service)
Introduction
In line with the UNCRC children are to be asked their wishes and views on matters affecting their lives. This however is not always easy or straightforward. Solicitors are increasingly working with mediators and we hope you find this site an opportunity to consider some of the challenges they describe when doing child-centred work. We offer research on divorce and children as well as a lively debate about practice to which members can log in.
Our project explored the experiences of young people, their view of their parents' ability to communicate and forge a working relationship. These factors had a significant relationship with the child's happiness. Read the report: When Parents Part.
We considered their experience of the CAFCASS service and found that even when young people felt their views were well represented, they were seldom satisfied with the court's decision. Teenage girls were the least likely to be satisfied (54%) Only 15% of girls said they had been helped to feel safe. Teenagers believe they should read or be told what was in the court welfare report. Read the report: Children's Experiences of using the CAFCASS service
Young people made a short film which is available for use with parents. This and our research report may be ordered from the link on the left.
By joining the members' directory you will be able to share advice, experiences and suggestions with fellow solicitors and mediators on good practice when working with children and young people.
young-voice.org