CASS+ team makes progress in the Family Courts

The CASS+ team continues to make progress in the Family Courts in Devon and Cornwall. This is the result of a fixed contract with the Ministry of Justice. Our work is going from strength to strength. We’re also proud to be part of a government think-tank aimed at improving court user experience.

Mo gets help and support at Exeter Crown and County Court

Mo* was going through the Family Court at Exeter Crown and County Court because his children had asked to be with him rather than with their mother – at the time, she was going through a traumatic break-up. As a result, Mo was determined to get help and support at Exeter Crown and County Court.

Mo summarises here:

Getting it right for everyone involved

‘It’s important to get it right for everyone involved, especially the children. My children were just asking to spend time with their father and grandmother. That’s all. I’ve always wanted to make sure my children’s needs were met, with minimum damage.

How did Ben, the CASS+ Coordinator, help you?

The court gave my Mum the CASS+ number for free advice. It became very complicated when my ex got a solicitor. As a result, I called Ben.

Ben was always there. When I arrived at court, he read through the court bundle and it made me feel so much better when he said:

This really is very straightforward. I can help you.

The statement finally came through the night before the hearing.

My wife was getting Legal Aid by accusing me of domestic abuse which wasn’t true.

Ben spoke to the barrister. He sat with me in the court and, when it came to it, there was no need for me to say anything. Fortunately, I was told by the judge:

You’ve had a rough old time.

Ben helped me to calm down

Ben helped me to calm down – it was so easy to talk to him. Just acknowledging the fact that I’ve had a ‘rough old time’ helped me so much. Being in that quiet office with someone listening made all the difference. Fortunately, I had someone by my side. This process would have been very intimidating if Ben had not been there.

It took 1.5 hours for us to go through everything together. Ben was so patient.

What would have happened if Ben had not been by your side?

If Ben had not been by my side, I would have felt bullied by the system, nervous and very confused.

Tell us about your plans for the future

There have been huge repercussions. All the stress has damaged my current relationship, to the point where I’m now going through the family courts all over again. This time, I have a solicitor and it’s cost me £5k so far.

More support needed for mental health

More support is needed for mental health. Going through court is stressful. There is not enough support out there, especially for mental health. This situation would have been much easier if more mental health support had been available. On top of that, this support should be more accessible for all.

I wish Family Courts were free of charge

I wish Family Courts were free of charge. For the sake of the children, things should be more straightforward. Children get wounded if they’re put at the centre of false accusations. The system has got to change.

So good to have someone in my corner

It was so good to have someone in my corner that day in the family court. Ben was thinking about the human side of things. It made all the difference being able to chat to him. The CASS+ team continues to make progress in the Family Courts’