Can CAFCASS help grandparents?

The Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS) play a significant role in the court process when grandparents are alienated from their grandchildren. Their recommendations are usually given significant weight by the court when deciding whether to make a Child Arrangements Order in favour of grandparents.

Their role in the court process is to carry an independent assessment of the family situation, and make sure the child is heard in the court process. They do this by carrying out background checks, speaking to all the parties involved (including the child), and preparing a report with recommendations.

CAFCASS’s primary focus is always on the safety and well-being of the child, and their recommendations reflect this priority.