Rejected petition: End Cafcass Self-Investigation: Establish Independent Oversight 4 Family Courts
Rejected on
Cafcass decisions can change children’s lives forever. Yet serious concerns about bias, unfairness and inaccurate assessments lack truly independent scrutiny. Cafcass should not police itself—the fox cannot guard the henhouse. Protect children and families: introduce independent oversight now.
“Cafcass recommendations can change a child’s life forever. They must be independently checked and accountable—not simply reviewed within the same system.
UK taxpayers fund this public body and families deserve transparency, impartiality and justice.
Protect our children: introduce truly independent Cafcass oversight now.”
Why was this petition rejected?
It’s not clear what the petition is asking the UK Government or Parliament to do.
Petitions need to call on the Government or Parliament to take a specific action.
We're not sure exactly what you'd like the Government or Parliament to do because the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman is the independent organisation that makes final decisions on Cafcass complaints. You can find out more here: https://www.ombudsman.org.uk/
Appeals in family court cases are a matter for the courts, not the UK Government or Parliament. You can find out about appealing a decision in the family court here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/appeal-a-decision-in-a-family-law-case
Citizens Advice can provide advice and guidance on family matters: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/family/
You could start a new petition explaining clearly what you would like the Government or Parliament to do.
We only reject petitions that don’t meet the petition standards.