The review announced by the Home Secretary on 16 July 1997 into the relationship between the Prison Service and probation service may herald important changes to the structure, organisation, management, working practices, human resources and funding of the probation service. Both the prison-probation review and the Comprehensive Spending Review should result in steps which should improve public confidence in community penalties." [6] This is rewarding and enjoyable role where I can see the difference we are making in children’s lives.” In 2008, an Ofsted inspection of Cafcass service users in South Yorkshire concluded that case records often did not show how Cafcass had come to its conclusions. [28] In a post-inspection review in 2009, Ofsted found that in four of nine recommendations, progress was inadequate. [29] One thing that changed after the process was that I’m actually closer to my dad now. He was always the stricter parent, so when I said I wanted to live with my mum, I was scared to tell him, but he was okay with it and asked me when I wanted to see him. He reassured me and now I feel like I can talk to him about anything because I could tell him that and it was okay.

the ascertainable wishes and feelings of the child concerned (considered in the light of his age and understanding) You can practice listening actively to your child no matter what they are telling you. You can do this with some of their day-to-day worries or triumphs before talking about the bigger things. Listening actively means: Assessment is underpinned by ‘Together with children and families’; our relationship-based practice framework. The framework sets out the importance of working with children and their families, based on developing trusting relationships, underpinned by listening, understanding, clear reasoning, respect and integrity. The framework is intended to help FCAs and Guardians to do their best work with children and families who are involved in private or public law proceedings.

You may be feeling out of control yourself about what has happened and what is happening. Your child will be feeling like this too. So, it is important for you to support and reassure them.

All children benefit from their parents or the adults they trust helping them to figure out what their feelings are so that these feelings do not come out in ways that harm themselves or others. I would say to any young person going through this, don’t be afraid to say how you’re feeling and don’t be afraid to ask questions if you don’t understand something. It’s better to ask there and then because you have to go through the whole process. There’s a big decision that’s going to be made at the end of the day and you have to know what’s going on so you can tell people how you feel. For every child, whose current and future living arrangements are decided by the family courts, we seek to provide an exceptional experience, everywhere, and every time. We prioritise their safety and welfare, their voices and their unique needs, taking full account of their families and those connected to them.An Advisory Assessment Panel (“Panel”) is appointed by Ministers to assist them in their decision making. The role of the Panel is to decide, objectively, which candidates meet the eligibility criteria for the role . You will work with parents, relatives, local authorities and the courts, and must demonstrate your understanding of what the child needs, wants and feels.

speak with the child’s social worker and independent reviewing officer. (An independent reviewing officer is someone who works for children’s social care services and oversees the local authority plans for children and their living (placement) arrangements are meeting the child’s needs.);This call usually lasts 30 minutes – and it’s really important you speak to us, so we can give the best picture of what’s happening to the court. a real example of how things will be and how it will work – make your explanation realistic and specific, such as “Your dad will be moving to X at X time and you will be seeing him on X day this week,” rather than: “Things will be fine and you will see your dad soon, so don’t worry about it.”; and