Cafcass

[BandB2019]

Any advice tips out there?

What sort of advice are you after, might help if a bit more detail given?

Left abusive partner. Never wanted to 'drag' these issues into any events. Just want clear of him. No safeguarding concerns for our child at this stage. Just safeguarding myself and it seems my ex now wants to use this process to further his abuse in counter-claiming against me. Cafcass seem to give air to this?

Is it the case that they have to investigate all allegations where the child is concerned? Do I really have to endure a futile investigation that will only disprove any false allegations made against me or can they asses astutely these situations whew husband is trying tactics following his wife leaving him etc?

It depends on what your ex is trying to achieve, is he going to court for formal contact with your child? Or is he making allegations on your part?

Cafcass usually look into contact situations and take into views of child (age appropriately) but I know people have had very mixed results with them

What is your understanding of is age appropriate contact for a 16 month old?

It varies hugely depending on the child, the family circumstances etc.

It’s not Cafcass that make a decision on any allegation, it’s the judge. They aren’t interested in anything unless it impacts the child.

Cafcass initially provide a “safeguarding letter” to the court ahead of the first hearing, within this letter there will be:

Police checks
Checks for any local authority children’s services involvement
Checks for any previous court proceedings
An interview with father, setting out what he wants to happen and any safeguarding concerns
An interview with mother setting out what she wants to happen and any safeguarding concerns

They do not make any judgement on who is telling the truth in the event of any conflict, at this stage they simply report any concerns being raised and then advise the court on what might need to happen to address the concerns, for example a finding of fact hearing if one person is making DV allegations, or drug testing etc.

As Tallulah said, it is then for the judge to decide how to manage the case and what if anything needs to be looked into further. The judge will only focus on issues which will affect the child.