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Cafcass issues protocol on attendance of staff at court during COVID-19 recovery

Cafcass has published a new protocol providing direction on how and when its staff should attend court during the first phase of its COVID-19 recovery.

The agency said: “Cafcass staff will continue to attend remote hearings, but where it is necessary for a Family Court Adviser to physically attend a court hearing, an assessment will be made about the vulnerabilities of the staff member and the safety measurements in place at the court.”

Cafcass closed all its offices on 20 March 2020 and since this date all work with children, families and the family courts has been conducted remotely.

Cafcass said: “We have continued to operate business as usual as far as possible, filing reports, attending remote hearings and progressing cases accordingly.

“Cafcass needs to provide representation for children and assistance to the court whilst ensuring we are not putting anyone at risk.”

The full protocol, which has been shared with Cafcass’ partners in the family justice system, can be viewed here.

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