Cafcass Cymru: child friendly glossary of terms

Accountability

Taking responsibility for what we do and being able to explain why we made a decision.

Advisory Committee

A group of people who give us advice to help us make good decisions.

Ambitions

Are the important things we want to make happen over time to make things better for children, young people, and families.

Audit

A check we do to make sure our work is safe, fair, and high quality.

Case Review

When we look back at a case to see what went well and what we could do better next time.

Cafcass Cymru

The organisation in Wales that helps children and young people when their family is in court.

Child’s Voice

What a child thinks, feels, and wants. We make sure this is heard in court.

Continuous Professional Development

Learning and training that helps our staff keep getting better at their jobs.

Co‑design

Working together with children, young people, and families to help improve our services.

Data Protection

Rules that keep people’s personal information safe.

Digital Systems

Technology we use to help us work, such as computers, apps, and online tools.

Dignity

Speaking to people kindly, listening to them, and making sure they feel valued and important.

Diversity

The differences between people — like culture, language, background, or identity.

Evidence‑based

Using information, facts, and professional knowledge to make decisions.

Family Court

A special court that helps make decisions to keep children safe.

Family Justice Network / Boards / Council

Groups of professionals who work together to improve the family justice system.

Family Justice Young Peoples Board FJYPB

A group of young people who help us understand what matters to children and young people going through family court.

Feedback

Comments or ideas from children, families, or professionals that help us improve what we do.

Honest

Telling the truth and being clear about what we are doing and why.

Integrity

Doing the right thing, even when it is difficult.

Impartial

Not taking sides — making decisions that are balanced and focused on what is best for the child.

Judiciary

Judges and magistrates who work in the courts.

Leadership Development

Training to help managers support their teams and make good decisions.

Local Authorities

Organisations like councils that provide services such as social services, schools, and housing.

Nuffield Family Justice Observatory

A group that does research to help improve the family justice system.

Practice Framework

A guide that explains how we work with children and families.

Practice Review

When we look closely at our work to make sure children’s voices, needs, and safety are at the centre.

Professional

Doing our job properly, being honest, and trying our best to help children and families.

Reflect

Thinking about our work and what we could do better next time.

Reflective Supervision

A safe space for practitioners to talk about their work, learn, and get support.

Respect

Treating everyone kindly and fairly, even when their lives or experiences are different from ours.

Safeguarding

Keeping children safe from harm.

Skills

The things we know how to do well in our job.

Stakeholders

People or groups we work with, such as the courts, local authorities, or young people.

Social Partnerships 

When adults in an organisation work together, listen to each other, and make plans to help everyone do their jobs well and be treated fairly.

Third Sector 

Charity and community groups who speak up for children and families.

Transparency

Being open and clear so people understand how and why decisions are made.

UNCRC

A list of rights for all children.

Unique / Uniqueness 

The special things that make each person who they are.

Values

The things that matter most to us and guide how we behave.

Welfare / Wellbeing

Feeling healthy, happy, and supported.

Welsh Language Framework

Our plan for making sure people can use Welsh when they want to.

Working Together

Sharing ideas and supporting each other so that children get the best help.