Written evidence submitted by the Hon
Mr Justice Bodey, Family Division Liaison Judge, North East Circuit
(CAF 38)
CAFCASS
Further to your notice dated 13th February 2003
regarding the workings of CAFCASS, I have only two short contributions
to offer namely:
1. That in parts of the North Eastern Circuit,
for which Circuit I am responsible as Family Division Liaison
Judge, delays in getting reports have on occasions been quite
unacceptable (in excess of 20 weeks) far longer than under the
old regime. However, I understand that funding has been increased
and that things are now beginning to improve.
2. I have noticed a reluctance in some CAFCASS
officers to take on any further responsibilities when the application
itself is over (for example in helping to get what may be very
difficult and sensitive contact arrangements started up). Other
CAFCASS officers willingly undertake this role. It is a vital
role if the Courts Orders are to work; failures in the first meeting
or two through lack of professional help and facilitation may
only serve to polarise attitudes and undo all the good which a
court hearing can sometimes do.
The Hon Mr Justice Bodey
11 March 2003
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