Cafcass caseload system criticised by children's guardians

A survey by guardian association Nagalro has raised specific concerns about duty systems brought in by Cafcass to deal with increased caseloads following the Baby Peter scandal.

This acts as a triage system to ensure that cases involving the most vulnerable children are prioritised. But guardians say children are still at risk as too often decisions are made based on reading reports rather than meeting children.

In its report Time for Children, Nagalro refers to these as "paper children" cases.

The report adds: "Respondents describe managers instructing frontline staff to undertake an arms-length, paper exercise of risk assessment where the child is often not seen."

Ann Haigh, chair of Nagalro, said: "The confused messages from Cafcass about what constitutes a ‘safe minimum service' can lead to potentially dangerous practice."

Anthony Douglas, Cafcass chief executive has defended the duty system. He said it ensures the most vulnerable children are prioritised and safeguarding remains a priority of the service.

He added: "This system means that we are involved actively in the case at an early stage. It is far better to do something rather than nothing."