RESCUE PLAN: family solicitor optimistic about children board

A leading family law solicitor appointed to an interim board set up to save the troubled Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS) has this week voiced optimism that it will be able to put the organisation back on the right track.

Richard Sax - partner at London firm Manches and co-founder of the Solicitors Family Law Association - spoke out after children's minister Margaret Hodge urged members of the previous board to resign amid concerns that CAFCASS was failing the children it was set up to protect.

All but one member - who has not been named - stepped down.

Ms Hodge appointed the interim board to lead the organisation until new permanent members are recruited to 'take CAFCASS through its next stage of development'.

The board will be headed up by new chairwoman, Baroness Pitkeathley.

Mr Sax said the principles underlying CAFCASS were sound, despite its problems, and the interim board was determined to take matters forward.

'CAFCASS plays a vital role in advising the courts so that the decisions they make are in the best interest of children,' he added.

'I am confident that we can make changes at CAFCASS, working with others in the family justice system, to provide a more effective and timely response to children in family cases.'

CAFCASS chief executive Jonathan Tross said he welcomed the new board members and looked forward to working with them.

Solicitors wishing to apply for permanent board membership should e-mail: pba.team@dfes.gsi.gov.uk before 28 January 2004.

Paula Rohan