Cafcass Injustice

[gingerbiskit]

My son had a meeting with a Cafcass officer and he was asked to write a letter to the judge stating his 'wishes and feelings' regarding access times with his dad. The next day he told me his first piece of paper had been taken away by the Cafcass officer (because he'd written something she didn't want him to) and he was asked to write it again. I'm furious.

I'm not being funny, gingerbiskit, but I don't believe half of what you've said. The amount of people I know who've used the "I can't physically force them to go!" excuse is ridiculous. Also, I get the impression that the children sleeping over at their dad's on the Sunday night is more a petty squabble over CSA than anything.

that was 10 months ago

I have also had unpleasant dealings with CAFCASS. I am not accusing them of being corrupt but I do believe that they can write inaccurate and biased reports. A cafcass officer can basically write their own interpretation of a situation which is not based on fact. The interviews are not recorded on tape which I believe that they should be so that what was discussed can be checked in the event of a disagreement. The report is not discussed with you and agreed before being submitted to court in a lot of cases and in my particular experience, the questions that myself and my children were leading questions and not open ones. The questions we were asked were designed to direct us to the outcome that was easiest for them. In my case certain comments from me and my children were completley ignored. I personally felt bullied by the Cafcass person that came to see me. I found him to be completley insenstive to our situation.

I think that changes to the system and the way that Cafcass are able to operate needs to be reviewed and changed ASAP. I have found the below petition if anybody has had similar experiences and wants to try to do something about getting things changed

submissions.epetitions.direct.gov.uk/signatures/8811339/verify/4fKQLhOdt7K9dWdmsEx5

epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/32956

(if link on my last post does not work)

Hi. I know it was a long time ago, but I would like some insight, please. My DD doesn't want to talk to cafcass again, due to cafcass' officer treatment towards her last time. She is 14yo and I agree with you about protecting our children from cafcass and court - going through the trauma of those interviews that makes them recount over and over again facts that hurts them. What was the outcome of your son not wanting to talk yo cafcass? Did the court find another way in situations like this? Thank you.