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Dept for Education and Skills

Answer

Mrs. Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many guardians are employed by the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service; and what their principal responsibilities are. [197074] Margaret Hodge: At 1 November 2004, CAFCASS employed 1,292 (full-time and part-time) guardians. In addition, there were 424 self-employed guardians contracted to CAFCASS during August 2004 (the latest month for which figures are available). Under the Children Act 1989, CAFCASS provides a children's guardian in specified public law proceedings. These include applications for care or supervision orders and applications for contact or residence orders (in public law cases). Children's guardians are also appointed in those adoption and freeing (for adoption) cases where the courts may have to dispense with parental consent. Guardians are appointed by family courts in order to represent the interests of children and inform the court of the child's wishes and feelings. They are qualified and experienced in social work, and they are independent of social services, parents and other parties involved in the case. In particular, guardians will: appoint a solicitor for the child; investigate and inform the court about the circumstances of the application; and prepare reports for the court. These reports are informed by time spent with the children, relatives, teachers, social workers and health visitors. Guardians attend meetings on behalf of the child; check records and read reports and statements and they may recommend that other professionals be asked to assist (such as paediatricians or psychologists). The reports must provide advice to the court about the child's wishes and feelings. Guardians also critically appraise a child's care plan, drawn up by the local authority.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

426 c2100W;426 c2106W; 197074

Session

2003-04

Subjects

CAFCASS Family law Guardianship Staff

Contains statistics

Yes

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk