CafCass representatives: Are they all registered on your database system

Response to this request is long overdue. By law, under all circumstances, Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service should have responded by now (details). You can complain by requesting an internal review.

Dear Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service,

1. Can members of the public find if a Cafcass officer is registered on your database system?
If so, what is the procedure?

2. Is Cafcass representatives employed by the court, social services or by Cafcass ? If so are they governed by a central body?

Yours faithfully,

A. Marfo

Governance, Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service

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Governance, Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service

Governance would like to recall the message, "Freedom of Information Request ".
Cafcass email addresses have changed to end in @cafcass.gov.uk. Please ensure you update your address book. For more information on this change please see our website<https://www.cafcass.gov.uk/2018/02/28/ca...>

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Annie Holly, Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service

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Dear Mr Marfo

 

Thank you for your email. Please accept this as a formal acknowledgement
of your Freedom of Information requests received on 2^nd October 2019.

 

Your reference number is CAF 19-161 .

 

We aim to respond to you promptly, and at the latest 20 working days from
receipt of your request. You will therefore receive a response on or
before 29^th October 2019 .

 

Kind regards,

 

Governance Team | Cafcass

* [1][CAFCASS request email] | ü [2]www.cafcass.gov.uk 

 

[3]Cafcass_Logo_2014_email

 

Cafcass email addresses have changed to end in @cafcass.gov.uk. Please
ensure you update your address book. For more information on this change
please see our  [4]website

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Dear Sir/Madam,

Thank you for your message, unfortunately, I cannot open the files, as my software thinks your message is a bug.

Can you send the message as a PDF.

Yours sincerely,

A. Marfo

Annie Holly, Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service

1 Attachment

Dear Mr Marfo

Please accept my apologies, I sent the email encrypted when I should not
have.

Kind regards

Annie

 

From: Governance
Sent: 03 October 2019 09:12
To: [FOI #608657 email]
Subject: Freedom of Information Request

 

Dear Mr Marfo

 

Thank you for your email. Please accept this as a formal acknowledgement
of your Freedom of Information requests received on 2^nd October 2019.

 

Your reference number is CAF 19-161 .

 

We aim to respond to you promptly, and at the latest 20 working days from
receipt of your request. You will therefore receive a response on or
before 29^th October 2019 .

 

Kind regards,

 

Governance Team | Cafcass

* [1][CAFCASS request email] | ü [2]www.cafcass.gov.uk 

 

[3]Cafcass_Logo_2014_email

 

Cafcass email addresses have changed to end in @cafcass.gov.uk. Please
ensure you update your address book. For more information on this change
please see our  [4]website

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Governance, Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service

2 Attachments

Dear A Marfo,

 

Thank you for your email.

 

Please find attached our response to your Freedom of Information request.

 

Kind regards,

 

Governance Team | Cafcass

* [1][CAFCASS request email] | ü [2]www.cafcass.gov.uk

[3]Cafcass_Logo_2014_email

 

 

 

 

 

Cafcass email addresses have changed to end in @cafcass.gov.uk. Please
ensure you update your address book. For more information on this change
please see our  [4]website

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Dear Governance,

Thank you for your letter.

Further questions;

1) When Cafcass representative assess any issues that may arise in a family (in court or elsewhere) can you clarify their duty and position, is it to focus on the child's view, evidence etc. Kindly explain what they do?

2) Can Cafcass representatives/advisors work outside their living juristriction?
These are examples; if they are registered Kent can they work anywhere in the UK, can they still work as independent social workers or indepent reviewing offcers?

Thank you in advance.

Regards,

Ms Marfo

Yours sincerely,

A. Marfo

Governance, Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service

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Dear A. Marfo,

 

Thank you for your email. Please see our responses to your queries below:

 

1)  When Cafcass representative assess any issues that may arise in a
family (in court or elsewhere) can you clarify their duty and position, is
it to focus on the child's view, evidence etc. Kindly explain what they
do?

 

Cafcass operates within the law set by Parliament and under the rules and
directions of the family courts. Our role is to:

·         Safeguard and promote the welfare of children

·         Give advice to the family courts

·         Make provision for children to be represented

·         Provide information, advice and support to children and their
families

 

The role of Cafcass is to assess children’s needs and write reports or a
case analysis to the court recommending how a child’s welfare can best be
promoted and safeguarded, with reference to the [1]Welfare Checklist. All
Family Court Advisers (FCAs) advice and recommendations are case specific
and are based on their professional judgement of the child’s welfare. The
duty of the FCA is to provide the court with a recommendation based on
their professional assessment of the circumstances as presented to the
court. 

 

For more information about the role of FCAs, please see our [2]Operating
Framework (section 5 for private law and section 4 for public law) and our
[3]policies.

 

2) Can Cafcass representatives/advisors work outside their living
jurisdiction?

These are examples; if they are registered Kent can they work anywhere in
the UK, can they still work as independent social workers or independent
reviewing officers?

 

Cafcass Family Court Advisers, who are employed by Cafcass, may not be
directly or indirectly engaged, concerned or interested in any other
trade, business or occupation that conflicts in any way with their
employment with Cafcass. This would include working as an independent
reviewing officer or independent social worker.  This requirement is set
out in FCAs’ employment contracts.

 

Cafcass contracts a small number of self-employed social workers, who are
Cafcass Associates. Cafcass Associates undertake work on Cafcass’ behalf
but are not employed by Cafcass and these social workers are self-employed
contactors. Cafcass Associates are entitled to engage in other
self-employed work or undertake employment which is not in breach of the
Cafcass Conflict of Interests Policy and which does not adversely affect
the Associate’s ability to provide the services to Cafcass.

 

Kind regards,

 

Governance Team | Cafcass

* [4][CAFCASS request email] | ü [5]www.cafcass.gov.uk 

[6]Cafcass_Logo_2014_email

 

 

 

 

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Dear Governance,

In response to my Q1
You have said that; more information about the role of FCAs, please see our [2]Operating
Framework (section 5 for private law and section 4 for public law) and our
[3]policies.

I request this information both your policies and section 5 of private law.

Q2: I asked if a cafcass representative is registered in Kent can they work all over the UK, can they still work as independent social workers or reviewing officer?

You answered:
Cafcass Family Court Advisers, who are employed by Cafcass, may not be
directly or indirectly engaged, concerned or interested in any other
trade, business or occupation that conflicts in any way with their
employment with Cafcass. This would include working as an independent
reviewing officer or independent social worker. This requirement is set
out in FCAs’ employment contracts. Cafcass contracts a small number of self-employed social workers, who are Cafcass Associates. Cafcass Associates undertake work on Cafcass’ behalf
but are not employed by Cafcass and these social workers are self-employed
contactors. Cafcass Associates are entitled to engage in other
self-employed work or undertake employment which is not in breach of the
Cafcass Conflict of Interests Policy and which does not adversely affect
the Associate’s ability to provide the services to Cafcass.

My Response:
So not all Cafcass employees/associates are employed by you (Cafcass) or have contracts, so for my own understanding, if Cafcass Associates undertake work for you, who is their employer?

How many registered employees/associates does Cafcass have on roll?

What qualifications is an Cafcass employee or associates expected to have?

Can Cafcass employees/associates work as a independent reviewing officer or independent social worker?

What does Cafcass consider as breach of the Conflict of Interest Policy of a Cafcass employee/associate?

Yours sincerely,

A. Marfo

Governance, Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service

3 Attachments

Dear Ms Marfo,

 

Thank you for your email. Please see below for responses to your queries.

 

Q1.  Please find attached a copy of the Cafcass Operating Framework, which
contains section 5 on Private Law (pages 49 – 64).

 

Cafcass policies are available on our website, please see the policies
page [1]here.

 

Q2:

 

So not all Cafcass employees/associates are employed by you (Cafcass) or
have contracts, so for my own understanding, if Cafcass Associates
undertake work for you,  who is their employer?

 

Cafcass Associates are self-employed social workers.

 

How many registered  employees/associates does Cafcass have on roll?

 

Cafcass currently has 2,065 employees. Cafcass currently has 156 Cafcass
Associates.

 

What qualifications is an Cafcass employee or associates expected to have?

 

All Cafcass Family Court Advisers (which includes those acting as
Children’s Guardians) are qualified social workers with a Diploma in
Social Work (or recognised equivalent) and at least three years post
qualifying experience in social work with children and families at risk.
As a condition of employment, Family Court Advisers must maintain their
registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). 

 

All Cafcass Associates (which includes those acting as Children’s
Guardians) are qualified social workers with a Diploma in Social Work (or
recognised equivalent) and at least three years post qualifying experience
in social work with children and families at risk. As a condition of 
their contracts with Cafcass, Cafcass Associates must maintain their
registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). 

 

Can Cafcass employees/associates work as an independent reviewing officer
or independent social worker?

 

Cafcass Family Court Advisers, who are employed by Cafcass, may not be
directly or indirectly engaged, concerned or interested in any other
trade, business or occupation that conflicts in any way with their
employment with Cafcass. They may not work as an independent reviewing
officer or independent social worker whilst being employed at Cafcass.

 

Cafcass acknowledges that Cafcass Associates are entitled to engage in
other self-employed work or undertake employment which is not in breach of
the Cafcass Conflict of Interests Policy and which does not adversely
affect their ability to provide the services to Cafcass. They are able to
work as independent social workers. They are able to work as Independent
Reviewing Officers, provided this is not for the Local Authority involved
with the case.

 

Cafcass Associates must not work in an area where they have a political
presence, or work for the Local Authority which is involved with the
specific case, including as an Independent Reviewing Officer.

 

What does Cafcass consider as breach of the Conflict of Interest Policy of
a Cafcass employee/associate?

 

Cafcass’ Conflict of Interest Policy  sets out  the circumstances which
would be a Conflict of Interest. This policy applies to Cafcass employees
and Cafcass Associates. Please find a copy of the policy attached.

 

Cafcass Associates must also not work in an area where they have a
political presence, or work for the Local Authority which is involved with
the specific case, including as an Independent Reviewing Officer.

 

Kind regards,

 

Governance Team | Cafcass

* [2][CAFCASS request email] | ü [3]www.cafcass.gov.uk 

[4]Cafcass_Logo_2014_email

 

 

 

 

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Dear Governance,

Kindly explain the different roles; Cafcass employee and Cafcass Associate?
(or a hierarchy structure)

Can Cafcass Associates; self employed social workers, work in courts? If so, what is their role?

Can Cafcass Associates work with colleagues in the Local Authority which is involved with the
specific case?

Yours sincerely,

A. Marfo

Governance, Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service

2 Attachments

Dear Ms Marfo,

 

Thank you for your email.

 

There are no hierarchal differences between Cafcass employed Family Court
Advisers and Cafcass Associates.

 

Cafcass employees, including Family Court Advisers are employed by
Cafcass.

 

Cafcass Associates are self-employed social workers who are contracted to
work for Cafcass on specific cases as a self-employed contractor. They
 are offered work on a case by case basis to

assist in providing additional capacity  to Cafcass and have a contract
with Cafcass for each individual case.  Their role in these cases would be
the same as the role of a Family Court Adviser.

They are able to work in courts. Their role in courts for their contracted
work with Cafcass would be the same as the role of Family Court Advisers.

 

Cafcass Associates must not work for the Local Authority which is involved
with the specific case, including as an Independent Reviewing Officer.
Therefore they are not able to work with colleagues in the Local Authority
which is involved with the specific case, as they would not be able to
work for that Local Authority.

 

Cafcass’ Conflict of Interest Policy sets out the circumstances which
would be a Conflict of Interest and this policy applies to Cafcass
employees and Cafcass Associates. Please find a copy of the policy
attached.

 

Kind regards,

 

Governance Team | Cafcass

* [1][CAFCASS request email] | ü [2]www.cafcass.gov.uk 

[3]Cafcass_Logo_2014_email

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Dear Governance,

I am writing to obtain full disclosure;

1.Does Cafcass have a public database (like Social Work England/HCPC) to check that your advisers/employees are registered and regulated?

2.Can you confirm if all Cafcass advisors/employees have EMCS numbers for cases?If yes, how can

3.How many offices does Cafcass have in the UK?

4. Can you provide their address?

I look forward to hearing from you.

Regards,

Marfo

Governance, Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service

1 Attachment

Dear Ms Marfo,

 

Thank you for your email.

 

Please accept this as a formal acknowledgement of your Freedom of
Information request which was received on 31 December 2019. Your reference
number is CAF19-219.

 

We aim to respond to you promptly, and at the latest 20 working days from
receipt of your request. You will therefore receive a response on or
before 28 January 2020.

 

Please note question 3 of your request appears to be incomplete, please
could you clarify the information you are requesting in relation to
question 3. This is so we may accurately respond to your request for
information.

 

Kind regards,

 

Governance Team | Cafcass

* [1][CAFCASS request email] | ü [2]www.cafcass.gov.uk 

[3]Cafcass_Logo_2014_email

 

 

 

 

 

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Governance, Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service

1 Attachment

Dear Ms Marfo,

 

Thank you for your email making your Freedom of Information request
(CAF19-219). We are emailing to seek clarification in relation to your
request.

 

Please note question two of your request appears to be incomplete. In
question two, you ask ‘Can you confirm if all Cafcass advisors/employees
have EMCS numbers for cases? If yes, how can’

 

Please could you clarify the information you are requesting in relation to
question 2. This is so we may accurately respond to your request for
information.

 

Kind regards,

 

Governance Team | Cafcass

* [1][CAFCASS request email] | ü [2]www.cafcass.gov.uk

[3]Cafcass_Logo_2014_email

Cafcass email addresses have changed to end in @cafcass.gov.uk. Please
ensure you update your address book. For more information on this change
please see our  [4]website

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Dear Governance,

Thank you for your email.

In response to your email:

Does Cafcass have a database (accessible to the public) where we can check that your employees and associates are vetted and regulated? (HCPC register, GMC register etc..)

If not, how would members of the public check that they work with Cafcass?

Yours sincerely,

A. Marfo

Governance, Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service

1 Attachment

Dear Ms Marfo,

 

Thank you for your email and for clarifying the information you require.

 

We aim to respond to you promptly, and at the latest 20 working days from
receipt of your original request on 31 December 2019. You will therefore
receive a response on or before 28 January 2020.

 

Kind regards,

 

Governance Team | Cafcass

* [1][CAFCASS request email] | ü [2]www.cafcass.gov.uk 

[3]Cafcass_Logo_2014_email

 

 

 

 

 

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Governance, Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service

2 Attachments

Dear Ms Marfo,

 

Thank you for your email. Please find attached our response to your
Freedom of Information request.

 

Kind regards,

 

Governance Team | Cafcass

* [1][CAFCASS request email] | ü [2]www.cafcass.gov.uk 

[3]Cafcass_Logo_2014_email

 

 

 

Cafcass email addresses have changed to end in @cafcass.gov.uk. Please
ensure you update your address book. For more information on this change
please see our  [4]website

show quoted sections