[Solved] Is cafcass the real danger ?

Like is said before they are there for the saftey of the children, but I feel so nervous speaking to them, you feel as though they are trying to trick you into saying things, they probably are not like just me being paranoid, but I wish now I had stated I would like a few things in the report.

For example, the section 7 report says she is scared I will abduct him, yet I was the one who applied to court, and I am from this country.

But I stated to Cafcass I was scared of her taking him to Ireland as she has no ties here at all ( She is irish ) and they never even made a note of that?

End of the day, dont lie, be honest and just tell them what they want to hear.

it's going back a few years, but I've had very good results from cafcass.

At the initial hearing, cafcass spoke briefly to the children at court and did a quick verbal report to the court on the spot - I was almost awarded residence at the first hearing (my ex wife sent a barrister and didn't turn up herself), but the court narrowly decided to let her have her say. Not long after, my ex conceded residence, so we then moved to contact - at that point cafcass became involved and came up with a 60 page report which my solicitor said he had never seen such a damning report against a woman.
Later on, when I went back to get the contact order varied to reduce contact, the produced another damning report on my ex (only about 15 pages this time). On every occasion, when I met with them, I simply told my story and what I believed was best for the children - yes, of course I was nervous at first, but ultimately, if you are yourself, then you are doing the best you can do.

Its nice to hear a good story about CAFCASS actd..obviously I have seen a lot of their reports in my work, but not had to deal them in personal matters, although in my work life CAFCASS did work for the good on the whole, it was only in some they didnt but you knew the other parent did have problems, i.e. drugs, alcohol, violence, sexual abuse etc

Being there are so many on here that say CAFCASS are not good, and seem to have a similar result, I wonder if since self repping, CAFCASS have become more overworked, understaffed and are just stopping contact at the drop of a hat when violence drugs etc is mentioned giving them time to do a full report/get psychological reports, which then means that that side of the system is failing fast and overworked and understaffed is not an excuse at all!

They're not fit for purpose EnyaM...not my words, OFSTEDs!

I can only speak from my experience with CAFCASS,they phoned me one day to do a phone interview and I just told them everything I did with the children,that I went to all events at the school,loved taking them out and had forged a real bond with them. I didn't run my ex down,even though I wanted to there was no point. When we went to court the 1stt time I got the feeling that they were very keen to give me a large share in my son's life,and they were. The lady was very nice with me as on my final court day I had changed to self representation and she helped me thru the day. Try to stay positive,if you are a good parent then just explain your side of things in a calm rational manner and you will get the time you seek with your children. I found Liverpool Family Court were VERY keen to promote shared parenting

The problem that CAFCASS faces (well one of them) is that if they are involved, then the case is already contentious, so someone is going to like what they say (me), and someone isn't (my ex). If there are allegations of abuse of any kind and they didn't act, and something serious/fatal happened, then they would be hung out to dry, so they have to be very cautious for their own protection, let alone that of a child.

What is really needed is some way to get parents to work together for everyone's benefit, but the current system isn't geared towards that and I can't see a way it ever could happen.