Cafcass reduces delays by 44 per cent

There are signs that new operating models at Cafcass may be working as the organisation has reported a 44 per cent reduction in case delays.

Recent figures show there were 511 unallocated care cases on 26 November compared to 916 on 15 September.

The reduction will be welcomed by Sir Mark Potter, President of the Family Division, who issued Interim Guidance to ease pressure by transferring some Cafcass case management responsibilities to children's solicitors.

Cafcass Chief Executive Anthony Douglas CBE said: "The reduction in delays has been achieved at the same time as demand continues to rise. We will continue to work as flexibly as possible to ensure children's cases are worked on when the need is highest."

Cafcass says it has introduced new ways of working including duty teams to assess and prioritise cases which provides every child with a "safe minimum service" once they are referred.