The Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS) is an independent organisation that advises the family courts in England. CAFCASS represents the perspectives of children in any child care or family court proceedings, protects their rights and aims to ensure that any decisions are made in the child's best interests. This is important, as making decisions for a child that protect their welfare and uphold their interests is a legal requirement. The Children Act 1989 states that the child's welfare must be the court's paramount consideration in any decision about their upbringing, above any other considerations.






