Cafcass report chronicles effect on children of divorce and separation
Children express concerns about financial consequences of divorce
Cafcass has released a report concerning the effect upon children and young people of their parents’ divorce and separation. The report found that children and young people felt that Cafcass’ involvement generally helped and in some cases made a difference to their lives. However, many of them worried about their financial situation.
Based on a research event organised by the Cafcass Children’s Rights Team in April 2009, the report was researched in collaboration with Professor Adrian James from the Centre for the Study of Childhood and Youth, University of Sheffield, and evaluated by the Policy Evaluation Group.
46% of the young people who attended the consultation day explained that there was a worsening financial situation for themselves and the parent they lived with. The majority of young people felt that they required financial support. 88% of the young people felt that they had a right to decide where they should live and whom they should see after their parents separated. Many young people felt that family and friends, particularly grandparents, had an important role to play in providing continuing support. However, they also expressed the importance of being able to talk to an independent person whom they could trust.
Anthony Douglas, Cafcass Chief Executive said:
“Children and young people whose parents are going through a divorce or separation need to be supported at each stage in the proceedings. This report shows that many of these children are worried about their financial situation and want further support after the proceedings have finished. It is a positive sign that many of the young people felt that they benefitted from Cafcass’ involvement but there were also areas mentioned that we could improve on – such as confidentiality. The information that has been gained from this report will help identify ways we can improve support services for children going through this difficult time.”
Details of the report are available here.