Topical question asked in the House of Commons, by Edward Timpson (Conservative). It was answered on Tuesday, 23 March 2010 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.

Topical Questions

Question: What is the Secretary of State doing to address concerns from professionals, practitioners and the public alike over the staff shortages and massive casework increases in the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service, including the problem of having a period of up to five months during which there has been no allocation of any guardian in a case involving vulnerable children?

Answer: I am not trying to excuse the situation, but may I gently point out that CAFCASS in England is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, while in Wales it is the responsibility of the Welsh Assembly Government? I will certainly take up the concerns that the hon. Gentleman has raised. I am aware of the pressure on CAFCASS, which has an impact, in turn, on the operation of the family courts, for which I am responsible.

Secondary information