Divorce is rarely easy, especially when children are involved. In the UK, when parents can’t agree on arrangements for their children after separation, the court may involve Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service). Cafcass is an independent organisation that represents children in family court cases. Their role is to ensure the children’s voices are heard and their best interests are prioritised. A key part of this process is the Cafcass interview. This can be an anxious time, but understanding what to expect can help you prepare and ensure your perspective is clearly communicated.
What Is Cafcass and What Do They Do?
Cafcass is appointed by the court to provide an independent assessment of the family situation. Their primary concern is the welfare of the children involved. They gather information from both parents, the children, and other relevant sources (schools, social services, etc.) to make recommendations to the court about arrangements for the children, such as:
- Where they should live (with one parent or shared care)
- How often they should see the other parent (contact arrangements)
- Any other issues relating to the children’s welfare (education, health, etc.)
What To Expect During a Cafcass Interview
The interview process typically involves:
- Initial contact: Cafcass will usually contact you by phone to schedule an interview. They may also send you a welcome letter and some questionnaires to complete beforehand.
- The interview: This is usually conducted in person, either at a Cafcass office or another suitable location. It can sometimes be done over the phone, especially for initial screenings. The interview will be conducted by a Family Court Adviser (FCA).
- Home visit: In some cases, the FCA may also visit your home to observe the environment where the children live or might potentially live.
- Speaking to the children: Cafcass may want to speak to the children involved, usually separately from the parents. The way this is done depends on the age and understanding of the child. It could be a casual conversation, through drawings or play, or a more formal interview for older children.
- The report: Following the interviews and gathering information, the FCA will prepare a report for the court with their recommendations. This report will be shared with you and the other parent.
Types of Cafcass Interview Questions to Expect
The FCA will ask questions to understand your perspective on the situation and what you believe is in the best interests of your children. Here are some common topics and example questions:
- About your relationship breakdown:
- What led to the separation?
- Were there any specific issues like infidelity, domestic abuse, or substance misuse?
- How have you and the other parent been communicating since the separation?
- About your children:
- What are their personalities, interests, and needs?
- What are their routines and how are they coping with the separation?
- What are your hopes for their future?
- About your parenting:
- What is your parenting style?
- How do you discipline your children?
- How do you support their emotional and educational needs?
- About your proposals for the children:
- Where do you think the children should live?
- What kind of contact arrangements do you think are appropriate?
- How do you plan to co-parent with the other parent?
- About your living situation:
- What is your current housing like?
- Do you have any support network (family, friends) nearby?
- What are your financial circumstances?
- About your relationship with the other parent:
- What are the main areas of disagreement?
- Are there any concerns about the other parent’s ability to care for the children?
- How do you think you can work together in the future for the sake of the children?
Tips for Your Cafcass Interview
- Be prepared: Think about the questions beforehand and have clear and concise answers. Be honest and open, but avoid being overly negative or critical of the other parent.
- Focus on the children: Remember that the interview is about what’s best for your children. Keep their needs at the forefront of your mind.
- Be respectful: Even if you have strong feelings about the other parent, maintain a respectful and cooperative attitude.
- Listen carefully: Pay attention to the FCA’s questions and answer them thoughtfully.
- Ask questions: If you don’t understand something or have any concerns, don’t hesitate to ask the FCA for clarification.
- Take your time: Don’t feel pressured to answer quickly. Take your time to think about your responses.
- Be yourself: The FCA wants to get a genuine understanding of you and your family situation.
Important Considerations
- Confidentiality: Anything you discuss with Cafcass will be treated confidentially, but they may have to share information with the court if it is relevant to the children’s welfare.
- Safeguarding: If Cafcass has any concerns about the safety or wellbeing of the children, they have a duty to take action to protect them. This could involve contacting social services.
- The Cafcass report is not the final decision: The judge will consider the Cafcass report alongside other evidence before making a final decision about the children.
Remember: The Cafcass interview is an opportunity for you to have your voice heard and to ensure that the court has a clear understanding of your perspective and what you believe is in the best interests of your children. By being prepared and approaching the interview with a positive and cooperative attitude, you can help ensure the best possible outcome for your family. Please contact Farzana Naz below for further advice.
