Written question asked by George Howarth (Labour) on Tuesday, 22 January 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 29 January 2002. It was answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Labour) on Tuesday, 29 January 2002 on behalf of the Lord Chancellor's Department.

Lord Chancellors Dept

Question: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, what proposals he has for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the Guardian ad Litem Service.

Answer: Mr. George Howarth: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what proposals she has for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the Guardian ad Litem Service. [30480] Ms Rosie Winterton: The Lord Chancellor has tasked the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS) with delivering improvements to the efficiency and effectiveness of the guardian service. CAFCASS is developing a new, unified service bringing together: the family court welfare services previously provided by the probation service; the children's division of the official solicitor's department; and local authority guardian ad litem and reporting officer services. The establishment of CAFCASS creates a new national body with a national voice to be an effective champion for children involved in family proceedings.

Secondary information