The Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service

Cafcass was set up on 1st April 2001 under the provisions of the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act, which brought together the family court services previously provided by the Family Court Welfare Service, the Guardian ad Litem Service and the Children's Division of the Official Solicitor's Office. It is a non-departmental public body accountable to Chris Grayling, MP, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Justice (MoJ). It works within the strategic objectives agreed by its sponsor department and contributes to wider government objectives relating to children. Cafcass helps 140,000 vulnerable children and young people each year who are going through the family justice system. Its experienced Family Court Advisers become involved in cases when children are subject to an application for care or supervision proceedings by social services (public law) or in an adoption applications (public law). Cafcass also helps when parents who are separating or divorcing can't agree on arrangements for their children (private law).