In our fortnightly meeting with Cafcass senior management, Napo has asked for clarification about direct work with children. We were reassured by Cafcass senior management that there will continue to be a hybrid approach to direct work with children, as per the protocol, and that each case should continue to be considered on an individual basis as to the work required and how that work should be conducted. If any direct work is being considered outside of a Cafcass office then a risk assessment checklist needs to be completed and any concerns need to be discussed with your Service Manager. If you find yourself in a situation where you and your manager do not agree please contact: Nicola Kenney, Steve Hornby or Nicola Taylor-Ebong.
At this stage we do not anticipate the reviewed Cafcass guidance and protocols will make any demarcation between areas in C-19 tiers 1,2 and 3. As part of your risk assessment, we recommend that you should consider your local risk/tier level and that of the area you might enter. We are expecting Cafcass to revise their protocols and guidance in the next couple of weeks. We have been advised that the draft documents will be considered at the Covid-19 Board on 23 October and will then be shared with the Trade Unions for comment.