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<p>The Government has made no specific assessment of the Children and Family Court
Advisory and Support Service’s (Cafcass) performance in cases where domestic violence
or abuse is alleged or admitted. However, in 2014, Ofsted inspected Cafcass as a national
organisation. It judged that as a minimum all children, young people and families
receive a service where the quality and effectiveness of Cafcass private law practice
is ‘good’. The protective measures of a non-molestation order or occupation order
available from the family court for an adult party in cases of domestic violence or
abuse do not involve Cafcass.</p><p> </p><p>In relation to other private law cases
involving children, Cafcass is most often involved in proceedings for a child arrangements
order where parents are in dispute. In every case where a child arrangements order
is sought, Cafcass undertakes safeguarding checks with the police and local authority.
Relevant matters are communicated to the court prior to the first hearing via a safeguarding
letter. In this way, Cafcass provides judges with the information they need to ensure
that any decisions made are safe for the child and adult parties.</p>
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