CAFCASS Officers: The Need for Fairness, Respect, and Reform
- Falsely Accused Network
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
By Michael Thompson, Founder of the Falsely Accused Network
Over the years, I’ve supported many men who have found themselves caught in the gears of the family court system. One recurring issue that stands out time and time again is the behaviour of some CAFCASS officers—particularly during safeguarding calls and when preparing Section 7 reports.
Let me be clear: not all CAFCASS officers are hostile or biased. Some are professional, empathetic, and genuinely committed to the welfare of children. But there is a pattern—one I’ve seen not only in my personal dealings but in the many cases I’ve assisted with—that cannot be ignored.
Take my own safeguarding call, for instance. The officer I spoke to was rude, aggressive, and confrontational from the outset. It felt less like a welfare check and more like an interrogation. At one point, when I mentioned that I had done a DNA test to establish paternity, she sneered and said, "Well, what did you expect?" I calmly replied, "I expected the result to say that the boy's my son." It was a moment that perfectly summed up the disdain and lack of empathy I felt during that call.
And it's not just me. A recent example involved a man I was supporting through court proceedings. The CAFCASS officer responsible for the Section 7 report appeared less interested in facts and more interested in undermining him. She badgered him relentlessly, twisting his words and making unfair assumptions. He later told me he felt like a criminal being cross-examined, not a father trying to do what’s best for his child.
This kind of conduct is not just demoralising—it’s deeply damaging. It undermines trust in the system and, more importantly, risks distorting the very reports judges rely on to make life-changing decisions about children.
To CAFCASS, I say this:
If your officers cannot approach each parent with impartiality, dignity, and respect, they should not be doing this work. Children need safe, balanced decisions—not reports clouded by bias and hostility.
To men facing these calls or interviews, here are a few tips:
1. Stay calm. They may be trying to provoke a reaction—don’t give them one. Stay composed and polite, even if you’re being spoken to like dirt.
2. Record the interview. CAFCASS policy may not allow it, but you are not breaking the law by recording a conversation you’re part of. If you anticipate hostility or misrepresentation, consider recording the call for your own records.
3. Stick to the facts. Don’t rise to bait or accusations. Be clear, concise, and truthful.
4. Challenge through proper channels. If you experience hostility or bias, file a formal complaint to CAFCASS. You can also raise concerns with the court.
The role of CAFCASS is supposed to be child-focused and fair. But how can any report be objective if it begins with hostility and assumptions? It's time for change. Time for respect. Time for accountability.
Let’s bring balance back to the family courts.
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Visit www.falselyaccusednetwork.co.uk or call us on 0204 538 8788 to get the support you deserve.
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