Certainly, it suits him far better than his previous role as a child protection social worker.
“I now have more time to think things through, rather than just continual pressure. I spend more time trying to address the children’s views and what is in their best interests. It’s very different from the crisis-driven, reactive work of my last job and I noticed a huge difference in my own emotional health within six months of moving jobs,” he says.
Mann’s role is to present to the court an independent view of what is best for the child. This is because by the time a case gets to court, emotions are running so high that social services has often already formed a clear view of the course of action that should be taken.
Family advisors allow the parents another chance to express their views, independent of social services, to someone who is one step removed from the process.
“I’m responsible for my own opinion, which is very freeing and you have a lot of respect in the court arena,” says Mann.
As well as liking the court process, people thinking of this career must be self-confident and assertive because they will have to back up their recommendations under pressure. Mann also enjoys the flexibility, the fact you’re out of the office in court and on visits a great deal and that there is the opportunity to travel abroad as advisors take on more and more international cases.
He also describes the atmosphere at work as extremely friendly. “As a black worker I have access to a black worker support group. This is good because Cafcass isn’t as diverse or as reflective of the community as it should be,” he says.
Mann concludes: “It’s a fantastic job. I enjoy coming into work every day and cannot recommend it highly enough.”
My day
9am: Arrive at the office. Check emails for important messages about new policies, local authority statements or statements from parents. Take notes of the salient points. Reply to an urgent email from a solicitor relating to a case involving a mother with serious mental health issues.
10am: Attend a Social Services conference in the city centre on a case to hear the views of other professionals. Observe and take notes only.
12.30pm: Have lunch while sifting through more emails.
1pm: Visit a parent for the first time. Introduce myself and explain my role.
2pm: Visit a foster parent to get an update on the child’s progress. Talk to the child directly too.
3pm: Write a report to give my opinion on a case.
4pm: Prepare for a court hearing tomorrow by reading a report from a psychologist.
5pm: Head home.
