CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) have published an updated domestic abuse practice policy, which was implemented on 28 January 2025.

This policy sets out what CAFCASS must do when working with children or adults who have, or may have, experienced domestic abuse (in private and public law proceedings).

The updated policy emphasises CAFCASS’ responsibility to assess harm and risk for children and reflects the intentions of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, Practice Directions 12J, and 12Q to protect child and adult victims of domestic abuse.

The full policy can be accessed here: https://www.cafcass.gov.uk/cafcass-publishes-new-domestic-abuse-practice-policy

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