HC Deb 13 June 2003 vol 406 cc304-5W
Mr. Clappison

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellors Department what plans CAFCASS has to establish protocols on information sharing with the Department of Health, the Department for Education and Skills, the National Probation Service and the Police. [115654]

Ms Rosie Winterton

CAFCASS is committed to working effectively with all agencies with responsibility for vulnerable children. Work has begun on protocols on information sharing with organisations including the Department of Health, the Department for Education and Skills, the National Probation Service and the Police. These are expected to be completed in April 2004.

Mr. Clappison

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellors Department how many consultants have been recruited by CAFCASS over the last 12 months; and what their function was. [115656]

Ms Rosie Winterton

One consultant, a Diversity Adviser, has been recruited.

Mr. Clappison

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellors Department how many training initiatives are planned by CAFCASS over the next 12 months; and what effect these initiatives will have on(a) waiting lists and (b) time taken to complete reports. [115657]

Ms Rosie Winterton

Training initiatives planned include; induction training for all new family court advisers and a practice development programme to enable practitioners to undertake both private and public law cases. There are also training programmes planned for managers in the regions and Wales. These initiatives will support other action to increase capacity and reduce delays and in partnership with the family justice system, reduce the length of care proceedings.

Mr. Clappison

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellors Department what plans CAFCASS has to employ additional managers at both regional and head office level; and what their function will be. [115658]

Ms Rosie Winterton

CAFCASS carried out Service Reviews to assess staff capacity in terms of projected demand and equity of resources across the CAFCASS Regions and Wales. These identified the need for more managers, who are currently being put in place, in particular areas to support service delivery. Headquarters is also being strengthened to provide more effective management and development of the service in areas such as policy and procedure requirements and the training and development of practitioners.