Dear F Mason

I am writing in response to your request of 5 October 2009 for information about CAFCASS. Your request has been considered under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

I am writing to advise you that I am unable to provide you with the information you asked for as this Office does not hold it. However you should be aware that much of the information you have requested is available on the CAFCASS website www.cafcass.gov.uk. I have given this information (taken from the website) below.

CAFCASS was set up on 1^st 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.

CAFCASS are a non-departmental public body accountable to Ed Balls, MP, the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families in the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF).CAFCASS work within the strategic objectives agreed by the sponsor department and contribute to wider government objectives relating to children.

CAFCASS is represented in parliament by Ed Balls - Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families.

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Information about the complaints procedure for CAFCASS can be found at http://www.cafcass.gov.uk/pdf/Complaints%20leaflet%20for%20intranet.pdf. You may also contact your local MP.

Government Office for the South East does not work directly with CAFCASS and so does not hold any information further to that outlined above. You may find that applying to CAFCASS directly would be helpful.

Government Office aims to be as helpful as possible in the way it deals with requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004. If, however, you are not satisfied with the way in which your request has been handled or the outcome, you may appeal by requesting an internal review within two calendar months of the date of this letter. Information about Government Office review procedures and how to apply for an internal review of your case is contained in the enclosed leaflet. This also explains your right to apply directly to the Information Commissioner (ICO) for a decision in the event that you remain dissatisfied following the authority's review. Generally, the ICO cannot make a decision unless you have exhausted the internal review procedure described in the leaflet.

If you have any queries about this letter, please contact me. Please remember to quote the reference number above in any future communications about this request.

Yours sincerely

Rupert Sheard