The Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) is to transfer to the Ministry of Justice in April 2014. According to Family Justice Minister Lord McNally, the move will allow the welfare of children and families to be brought to the heart of the court system.

Cafcass looks after the interests of children involved in family court cases and helps over 145,000 children and young people who are involved in divorce or separation and care or adoption cases every year. Cafcass is the voice of the children in family courts and helps ensure that children’s welfare is put first during proceedings.

Cafcass is currently sponsored by the Department for Education, and the transfer follows a recommendation in the Family Justice Review.

Family Justice Minister Lord McNally said:

‘I am determined to improve the family justice system so that it offers the best possible service for those families – and particularly those children – that come into contact with it.

‘The work Cafcass does in supporting vulnerable children and ensuring their voice is heard in court proceedings is essential. Bringing Cafcass into the Ministry of Justice will be of great benefit to the family justice system.'

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