On what grounds can I sue Cafcass in the UK and what evidence would I need?

Question from Aba, On what grounds can I sue Cafcass in the UK and what evidence would I need?

Answer from AI:

Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) is a public body in the UK that represents children in family court cases. Suing Cafcass is a serious matter and should not be taken lightly. It’s important to understand the grounds on which you can sue Cafcass and the type of evidence you would need.

Grounds for Suing Cafcass

Generally, you can sue Cafcass on the following grounds:

• Negligence: If Cafcass has failed in its duty of care towards a child, causing harm or loss, you may have a case for negligence. This could include situations where Cafcass has failed to properly investigate or report on a child’s circumstances.
• Breach of statutory duty: Cafcass has certain statutory duties under the Children Act 1989 and other legislation. If they fail to comply with these duties, it may be possible to sue for breach of statutory duty.
• Maladministration: If Cafcass has acted unfairly, incompetently, or inefficiently, it may be possible to sue for maladministration. This could include situations where Cafcass has failed to follow its own procedures or has made decisions without proper consideration.

Evidence Needed to Sue Cafcass

The evidence you would need to sue Cafcass depends on the grounds of your claim. However, generally, you would need:

• Proof of duty and breach: You would need to show that Cafcass had a duty of care or a statutory duty, and that they breached this duty. This could involve showing that Cafcass failed to follow the correct procedures or failed to act in the best interests of a child.
• Proof of harm or loss: You would need to show that the breach of duty by Cafcass caused harm or loss. This could involve showing that a child suffered harm as a result of Cafcass’s actions or inactions.
• Documentation: Any relevant documents, such as court papers, Cafcass reports, and correspondence, could be important evidence in your case.

Seeking Legal Advice

Suing a public body like Cafcass can be complex and challenging. It’s strongly recommended that you seek legal advice before proceeding. A solicitor can help you understand the strength of your case, the evidence you need, and the potential costs and benefits of legal action.

Please note that this information is a general guide and not a substitute for professional legal advice. You should consult with a legal professional for personalized advice.

For more information on Cafcass and its duties, you can visit the Cafcass website. For more information on suing public bodies, you can visit the Citizens Advice website.