The Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) celebrated its 25th anniversary on Tuesday 16th June, marking the milestone with a reception at the Royal Courts of Justice.
Guests heard from speakers including Cafcass chief executive Jacky Tiotto, Neal Barcoe, the interim director of civil family, tribunals and administration at the Ministry of Justice, and the recently appointed president of the Family Division, Sir Stephen Cobb, who referred to Cafcass as a “cornerstone” of the family justice system, with a “quite remarkable story”.
Former Family Division president Sir Andrew MacFarlane, who was recently appointed patron of the Family Rights Group, was among the guests, along with Anthony Douglas, the Cafcass chief executive from 2004 to 2019, and members of the Cafcass team who have been with the organisation since its inception.
Guests heard how Cafcass has worked with around 130,000 children and families each year since it was formed in April 2001, supporting approximately 2.2 million children in public or private law proceedings.
The event also marked the recent launch of the Cafcass 2026-2029 strategy, celebrating the future of the organisation and its continued commitment to hold the welfare and safety of children at the centre of family justice.
Baroness Levitt KC, parliamentary under-secretary of state in the Ministry of Justice, congratulated Cafcass on reaching the milestone and thanked everyone who has contributed to its success in improving the lives of children across England.
“For 25 years, Cafcass has helped ensure that the voices and interests of children remain at the heart of Family Court proceedings,” she said.
“This anniversary is an opportunity to recognise the extraordinary commitment of Cafcass, whose expertise and dedication support children and families through some of the most challenging circumstances they can face.”
Cafcass chief executive Jacky Tiotto said: “Our shared responsibility continues to be, as it was in 2001, to stand alongside children, making sure they are seen, heard, protected and at the centre of proceedings that concern their safety, welfare and futures.
“It remains Cafcass’ and Cafcass Cymru’s privilege to be a part of the family justice system and I thank everyone for their part in the very complex and profound work they are doing everyday for children, families and their carers.”
Cafcass helps children whose care and family arrangements are decided by the family court. It has a statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote children’s welfare as set out in the 1989 Children Act.
To do this effectively, priority is given to assessments about harm and the risk of future harm to children, understanding their experiences, wishes, feelings and hopes for the future.
Pictured from left to right: Eileen Munro, Neal Barcoe, Jacky Tiotto and Sir Stephen Cobb
