Publication Criticises Services

The Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) must take swift action to improve its operations following the release of a critical new report, a lawyer has stated.

According to the publication from the Commons’ Public Accounts Committee, the organisation failed to address “weaknesses in its culture, management and performance” after a substantial rise in its caseload in 2009-10.

The committee also went so far as to state that Cafcass was “not fit for purpose”.

Tracey Storey, who specialises in cases involving vulnerable children for Irwin Mitchell, said: “While the organisation’s failure to cope with the increase in cases is a concern, it is vital that it now moves forward from this report and makes necessary changes to improve its work.

“A large number of the cases I work on demonstrate the impact that child abuse has on victims and how this also can leave physical and emotional scars on victims for years.

“It is vital that Cafcass takes positive steps forward so that it can provide the level of support that so many vulnerable youngsters need.”