The money, from the Department for Education and Skills, will help theChildren and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass)intervene earlier in family disputes. It will also be used to ensure itprovides a quicker service, update its computer systems and set up anational case recording system. Training to help change workingpractices within Cafcass will also be funded.
Changes to working practices will include ending distinctions betweenhow Cafcass handles private and public law cases, and replacing lengthyreports for the courts with more succinct "analysis" reports thatsummarise cases and recommendations.
Anthony Douglas, chief executive at Cafcass, said: "The changes show arenewed push to get in as early as possible in disputes."
He added that the changes, which are set out in proposed nationalstandards published this week, would see Cafcass working more closelywith other agencies. "Change of this scale can only be done with otherpartners," he added.
Nagalro, the union that represents children's guardians, said it isexamining Cafcass' proposed changes, which follow the Every Day Mattersconsultation.
Alison Paddle, chair of Nagalro, said: "We need to take a careful lookat these proposals. It is going to be important to ensure they arespecific, measurable and achievable. We want proper usable standards notslogans."
She added: "Whatever changes are made, the safeguarding of children andtheir needs and welfare must remain centre stage."
The 4.69m is a one-off grant for the current financial year.Douglas said the savings made by intervening earlier meant theorganisation's running costs would not increase once the changes were inplace.
Cafcass is consulting on its proposed national standards until 1September 2006.
- www.cafcass.gov.uk.
