Welcome to the DAD.Info forum: Important Information – open to read:
Our forum aims to provide support and guidance where it can, however we may not always have the answer. The forum is not moderated 24 hours a day, so If you – or someone you know – are being harmed or in immediate danger of being harmed, call the police on 999.
Alternatively, if you are in crisis, please call Samaritans on 116 123.
If you are worried about you or someone you know is at risk of harm, please click here: How we can help
Hello Everyone,
Basically, I am involved in a second CAO proceeding. The first one over a year ago went pretty badly and allegations of Domestic Abuse was believed to be true in court. I was given indirect contact and told that until those issues have been addressed, Direct Contact will not be given.
I attended a DVPP and my final report was excellent. I also attended a Parenting Programme which I self recommended.
I re-applied to vary the judgement. CAFCASS at first recommended that a period of one year needs to pass before any form of contact will be considered. Mother claims that my cards have been inappropiate because I called my daughter beautiful and I am trying to manipulate her with sweet words because she is only 4.
Mother is currently asking the court for a period of 5 years to heal before any contact will be considered.
CAFCASS had a telephone interview with me and not-suprisingly lied in the section 7 report claiming that I apparently said mother held some responsibility for our past arguments and that there is no further evidence to prove a sustained change of behaviour. Hence they are recommending no contact.
I have met every requirement by the court
A period of one year has already passed without any involvement in conflict
There is no evidence of wrong doing.
The matter has been listed for a final hearing. Is there any advice you can give me to beat CAFCASS and prove their report to be biased as they clearly hold some power in the courts but in this case, there is no evidence to support their claim.
I have a character reference from a family friend, my boss and I have a good report from my DVPP.
What are you honest views with regards to this and has anybody successfully beaten CAFCASS ?
Thanks
hi,
take a look on the direct access portal. there are some barristers who are very experienced and have been involved in cases where they convinced judges to go against cafcass recommendations.
Hi there
It’s clear that you’ve put a lot of effort into trying to get your relationship with your child back on track, I would concentrate on making the points you’ve made here strongly and look for research and case law to back up your argument.
Whilst the courts usually follow CAFCASS recommendations, it’s not always the case, so you’re in with a chance... it’s impossible to predict what the outcome might be unfortunately, all you can do is give it your best shot.
If you can afford a direct access barrister, it would be a wise move... self repping is doable, but when there’s such a lot at stake and the case is complex, it’s advisable to go down that route if possible.
All the best
Welcome to the DAD.info forum.
We don’t like to set ‘rules’, but to make sure that you and the other dads are kept safe, we have some requests. When engaging with the forum, please be aware of the following:
- The forum is not moderated 24 hours per day.
- Many of the moderators do so on a voluntary basis. Whilst they may be able to provide some guidance, advice or support, they may not be able to deal with specifics.
- We are not an emergency crisis service so if you or someone else is in immediate danger, please call emergency services.
- If you are concerned about the safety of a child, please click here to find the support you can get for them (link to new page)
- If you are in crisis, please call Samaritans on 116 123. They are open 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.
We hope you find this forum a supportive environment and thank you for joining us.