Our aims, objectives and principles

Aims

To fulfil this commitment and to ensure that the organisation is continually developing and improving, we have two broad aims:

• improving outcomes for children and young people in Wales;
• creating and making CAFCASS Cymru a good place to work.

Objectives

These broad aims have been translated into eight main objectives which are:

1. ensure that children’s and young people’s needs are fully represented, safeguarded and promoted in family proceedings matters;
2. provide quality and timely expert social work advice and support to the family courts;
3. provide effective services to families aimed at promoting the welfare of children;
4. develop and maintain effective and productive relationships with all key stakeholders;
5. develop a range of service user (including children and young people) participation processes and respond effectively to all complaints and feedback;
6. play a proactive part in the Welsh Assembly Government agenda for children, young people and their families;
7. establish a learning, supportive and inclusive organisation which is committed to competence and which values diversity and participation;
8. secure efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of services and all supporting functions leading to increased value for money, and a corporate commitment to continuous improvement.

Principles

The CAFCASS Cymru service is underpinned by the following key principles:

• children and young people should be safeguarded from all forms of harm;
• the needs of children and young people are paramount;
• children and young people have a diverse range of backgrounds and needs;
• where safe, children and young people are best brought up by their own family and within their own community;
• safe and effective arrangements for contact with parents, siblings, extended family and friends should be in place for children and young people who are not able to live with members of their family;
• children and young people have a right to be heard;
• all forms of oppression and discrimination are damaging;
• service users have a right to receive a bilingual service and an equitable service, regardless of circumstances or where they live;
• continuous improvement and securing a diverse and bilingual workforce are essential elements to continued effectiveness.