CAFCASS!

[mrsmcv]

Is there anyone who has anything positive to say?

our experience was quite good - they saw through EXH's lies and listened to the children. But it was just a one time thing and not sure how they would ahve been if it had gone on for a long time. Kids just ahd one meeting with them.

My experience was similar - they did what the court ordered them to do, and generally their report was balanced and accurate.

The court, however; they disregarded aspects of the CAFCASS report completely

thanks for your contributions, interesting to hear. CAFCASS officer in dd's case (she's just six) has been truly awful. I left ex-h five years ago because he hit me. Since then, he's had me in court for three separate applications, despite me never having broken a contact order. He doesn't tell me he's taking me to court, notice appears out of the blue. In five years we have spent just 15 months not involved in court proceedings. I'm now £60,000 in debt because of legal fees. Malicious use of the court system to continue his abuse of me? I'm beginning to think so..

CAFCASS recommended he have a flexible arrangement, because he works either a three or four day week but refuses to arrange a regular day off with his employers so that he can pick her up regularly and fit it with existing commitments and childcare. The court can't order him to make the arrangement, nor oblige him to prove it can't be done, so cafcass has decided to take his word for it. Not opposed to him seeing her after school, not at all, but would like it to be a regular day so that we know whether we are coming or going and also, to reduce the risk of the arrangement failing and ending up in court again.

I am really sorry your experience didn't work out in court NotaDisneyMum though I am grateful to you for your response as I was at the end of my tether thinking it was a done deal once CAFCASS had made a recommendation. Thanks for giving me faith that they're not all hopeless, MakeMine, this isn't the last time I'll be in court, I know that for sure so maybe next time I'll get a less suggestible officer!

I have had a nightmare with the officer we have had. I made an official complaint about her three months ago and they haven't even responded yet as they say they have so many complaints to deal with that they do it in order! My two children refuse to see their father at all and have told her that repeatedly and she still only listens to my ex. My son won't talk to her now as says she doesn't listen! I would try and complain and ask or the case to be reassigned if you can.

thank you so much Ladybird, I've now made a formal complaint. Solicitor tried to frighten me by telling me how bad it looks to the court but I really feel as though this investigation was biased. I've only met CAFCASS officer once and he's never talked to me about dd, what she likes, how she reacts, what she wants. All he did was talk about my ex husband had said about me, as if I'm not more than clear about his opinion.

It's my 40th court appearance in five years tomorrow, not even a final hearing. God knows when this will be over, or what would have happened if I'd ever opposed/ obstructed contact or broken a court order.

Goodnes mrs mcv, 40 appearances - that must be so stressful for you. Your ex sounds like mine then - obsessed with going to court rather than actually communicating! CAFCASS did the same to me, only spoke to one child not the other, didnt speak to the school, the childrens counsellor etc and put words in my sons mouth - he said he just agreed as thats what she wanted him to do. I find them obsessed with the fathers views and feelings and no one elses like you seem to have found as well. I am three years down the line, no final hearing in sight for children or finance either but i do feel for you having to go so often - is your ex forcing you to? I have to go this week as well!