A recent members’ survey by Nagalro has found that the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) is making less use of experienced Children’s Guardian practitioners.

Nagalro is the Professional Association for Children's Guardians, Family Court Advisers and Independent Social Workers. According to its survey, only 68 of the 96 respondents were acting as Children’s Guardians in at least once case, and many were no longer being allocated new cases.

Nagalro believes that in around six months’ time, very few self-employed contractors (SECs) will still hold cases. This is of concern to Nagalro, as it claims the use of SECs is very beneficial for children going through the family court system.

Ann Haigh, Chair of Nagalro said: “At a time of unprecedented increases in public law cases it is concerning that Cafcass has chosen to largely dispense with its self-employed workforce. Our employed members report very heavy workloads which too often leave them unable to provide the level of service they see as necessary.”