Children and young people’s experiences of participation in private proceedings in the family courts

To explore participation experiences for children who had been worked with under the ‘pathfinder’ model being piloted in the family courts in North Wales.

The Pathfinder pilot scheme gives Cafcass Cymru Family Court Advisors (FCAs) greater access to, and flexibility in, working with children to incorporate their views into the courts’ decision-making process earlier on. The research aimed to understand what impact Pathfinder is having on participation and explore whether anything should be done to amplify children’s voices in private proceedings.

The report presents findings from interviews with Children and young people and focus groups with FCAs.

The report makes recommendations for Cafcass Cymru staff and senior leaders which can be used to enhance children’s participation in private proceedings.

Reports