con_21997- Cafcass Pilot Delivery Partner

The Department has been working to identify and tackle the biggest drivers of delay in the family justice system through a number of work strands. Through significant consultation with both the Association for Directors of Children's Services and Cafcass, it was identified that it would be helpful for the Child's Cafcass Guardians to have the opportunity to hear from and ask questions to the LA Social Worker on what happened in pre-proceedings and prior. This will allow the LA Social Worker and the Cafcass Guardian to establish a shared understanding of the life of the child and family, and their respective positions before court, enabling a smoother process. This will not be a decision-making meeting and will occur after the Cafcass Guardian has been appointed by the court, and before the Case Management Hearing (CMH). This contract is for a pilot to test this principle for five months, and valued below the procurement threshold.