[Solved] DEALING WITH CAFCASS, DO'S & DON'TS

I have my telephone interview tomorrow with caffcass.

The short version is-

I have a court order in place to have regular contact with my children. My ex has on lots of occasions failed to meet it, and of recent has totally stopped all contact. Its now been 7 weeks since seeing my children and the court date is booked in the coming weeks to deal with this as I have no choice but to return the issue to the judge.

So, by taking the steps to go back to court, caffcass are now involved and my ex is saying the reason she has stopped contact is due to the children themselves (age 9 and 12) making the choice not to see me. I have not been given a reason as to why the children feel this way. I dont believe this to be the case at all as I have a very happy, loving a strong relationship with both of them.

If anyone has any advice to give, I would really appreciate it.

Dad4ever.

Well you're doing the right thing mate in taking it back to court and I'm sure the courts won't take kindly to the ex breaking the order by refusing contact, Just be open and honest in the interview and explain what has happened without bad mouthing your ex in anyway, just explain how contact was going and the only reason you are taking it back to court is because it will have an adverse effect on your kids not seeing their Dad keep it completely child focused.

No one can say what will happen in court but try not to worry too much as the courts will push for contact to be restarted so too will cafcass The judge may ask for a wishes and feeling report to be compiled when they will ask your kids how they feel about seeing you but that is not for certain, try not to worry you can do no more It would appear you have a strong case for contact to be restarted 🙂

Its been a tough year really, obtaining the court order was hard enough and now having to return to show the breach is pushing me to the edge.

Will be difficult to stay on the positive side of things tomorrow given every thing that's happen the last few months has been so negative. its impacted terribly on my relationship with the children and I have struggled to even speak with them by telephone. I feel she has got so deep in to their heads if caffcass do speak to them its anyone's guess what they will say about me.

I will repost tomorrow after my telephone call.

Explain all this to the "officer" be honest and telll them how you feel without slagging the ex off and you will be fine you're doing the right thing mate in going back to court and this might kick your ex up the backside to tow the line.

My ex is the [censored] from [censored] and I had not seen my daughter for 9 months and nothing has gone my way she ignored the court order and I got her back into court and finally she has started playing ball, try and keep your chin up mate this will get sorted trust me 🙂

Ok, so I had the phone call with the kind of questions I expected. I was honest and tactful. Made my points without appearing to have an axe to grind.
I am now waiting for the letter.
Issues I have.My ex told her I have a drink problem.
my ex told her I have mental health issues.My ex told her many untruthful things about me.If this is written in the letter does it need to be backed up with evidence?I will be getting a letter from my Dr about my state of mind and I will request a blood test to deal with the accusations about alcohol.How much impact does this letter have on the judges opinion?

Ok, so I had the phone call with the kind of questions I expected. I was honest and tactful. Made my points without appearing to have an axe to grind.
I am now waiting for the letter.
Issues I have.My ex told her I have a drink problem.
my ex told her I have mental health issues.My ex told her many untruthful things about me.If this is written in the letter does it need to be backed up with evidence?I will be getting a letter from my Dr about my state of mind and I will request a blood test to deal with the accusations about alcohol.How much impact does this letter have on the judges opinion?

Short answer: it will have little impact, if any, on your case. Get the letter from your GP, by all means, but don't lay the cards bare as yet; do that if it comes to court.

I hope you have explained to the officer that this is just mud slinging, and believe me they see right through it all. If you've no skeletons in cupboard, then this is easily shrugged off. Even if you did, then keep in mind that even hardened criminals have fatherhood rights and they do get them - it's a question of working the system, and not letting her get away with working it against you.

The usual customary disclaimer: I have no legal qualifications whatsoever, nor any other qualification that places me in a position to give binding advice. What is expressed here are my opinions and experiences.

Will CAFCAAS only become involved if there's allegations of child abuse?

What if it's allegations of arguing and threatening your wife in front of the child?

When you apply for a child arrangements order the court will automatically appoint cafcass to make contact with both parents, as they need to establish if any safeguarding or welfare concerns exist. So 100% cafcass will be involved and they will report back to court with their findings.

Simon.

Do these guys make home visits to see if other parents home is safe

Cafcas become involved when ever the court are involved in any situation surrounding custody or visitation of children. It's a very basic safeguarding progress by telephone.

The way the court see it is the children are the ones with the rights to see both parents. They will do everything they can to help that happen. If you are asked to go on a parent information course then you should as it really does help you see things form the child's perspective.
I wish you all the best. I know first hand the tough road you walk.

This is a great thread.

So, first they'll call you and then I guess they'll be some kind of home visit. Hopefully they give advance warning.