Written evidence submitted by Jill Fitz
Gibbon, Sussex Family Services Manager, Sussex Magistrates' Courts
Committee (CAF 4)
CHILDREN AND FAMILY COURT ADVISORY AND SUPPORT SERVICE
I have worked in the magistrates' courts service
from 1969 and have worked with both welfare officers, guardians
ad litem and now the Officers of the Service throughout my employment.
I am also a member of the Justices' Clerk's Society—Family
Law Network and a representative on the local Sussex Family Business
Committee.
— To represent, safeguard and promote
the welfare of children involved in family court proceedings.
Since CAFCASS started the representation of
children by a children's guardian in public law proceedings has
deteriorated. Prior to CAFCASS a guardian was always appointed
for the first hearing. CAFCASS have now devised a protocol for
the procedure to be adopted where a guardian cannot be appointed
for the first hearing. The effect of this is that directions appointments
are delayed and the ability to conclude a case within prescribed
timings is affected. However, that pales into insignificance when
you consider the possible effect of the delay created by CAFCASS
on the child or children involved.
Due to shortage of guardians the existing ones
have too many cases resulting in their non-attendance at some
hearings and the potential for delay in listing the final hearing.
In private law proceedings there have been difficulties
in the preparation of reports. CAFCASS managers reporting to the
Business Committee of the problems but at the end of the day it
is the children and families that are affected.
Managerial staff appear to be under-funded and/or
under-staffed to cope with the workload. The services provided
fall into chaos when anyone is off for any length of time or the
workload increases, they are too slow to respond to change.
In both public and private law proceedings is
CAFCASS really promoting the welfare of the children?
— To improve the services offered to
the court.
There has been no improvement if anything deterioration
has been noted as outlined above.
— To improve the efficiency and effectiveness
of the services offered through increased value for money.
My perception would be that this has not happened.
The delays caused have added to the cost. The efficiency and effectiveness
have not improved and are probably worse.
— To improve the services offered to
families and other stakeholders.
I cannot comment upon this.
— To develop the skills of staff
The guardians and children & family reporter's
do their work well. Whether the way thy deal with their work is
due to training or pre-existing skills I cannot determine.
— To play a full role in delivering
the wider Government agency agenda of improvements in service.
I cannot comment upon this.
Gill Fitz Gibbon
Sussex Family Services Manager, Sussex Magistrates'
Courts Committee
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