Today, the Centre for Justice Innovation published the full evaluation of our family court support in Devon and Cornwall.
Supporting people representing themselves
For the last two years, CASS+ has been working with people unable to access Legal Aid and representing themselves in the family courts. This recent expansion of our work has been funded by The Ministry of Justice Improving Outcomes Through Legal Support Fund (distributed by The Access to Justice Foundation). Although our primary focus has, and always will be, criminal justice, we’re delighted to be reaching more people who feel confused and lonely at court.
Less access to Legal Aid
Since 2011, when the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act was passed, less people have had access to Legal Aid. Many people in private family law cases now end up representing themselves as ‘litigants in person’ because they are unable to afford a solicitor.
Facing complex issues
Consequently, people are facing complex legal issues on their own. They struggle to understand court processes, present evidence and participate effectively. This causes stress for litigants and can negatively affect children.
CASS+, the perfect model
The report from the Centre for Justice Innovation proposes CASS+ as the perfect model for getting people affordable support when they most need it.
468 people supported to date
Over the last two years, we have supported 468 people (up to January 2026) through the family courts. Building on our long-standing work in the magistrates’ courts, we have helped them understand procedures, complete paperwork, prepare statements, and comply with court directions.
Vulnerable people get practical advice
On top of this, many are vulnerable. 43% of clients had a disability, of which the most common was mental health (affecting 31% of clients). They don’t have the resources to access their forms. Some don’t understand what to do. For this, they need face-to-face, one-to-one support. This is where CASS+ steps in.
It’s definitely a service that is needed.
Emotional support is key
Most of our clients have needed support with child arrangement orders. As a result, faced with the worry that they may never see their children again, people need emotional support.
It is literally somebody who they can go to when they’re upset, stressed, need help. And I think it’s a really, really invaluable service. So, I know that we would like to see it continue.
CASS+ swift to learn
The evaluation found that CASS+ was well-placed to deliver this service. To sum up, our teams were swift to learn when faced with the new demands of complex, lengthy cases and high client needs. We have adapted through triage and, where possible, focussed on building clients’ ability to manage their cases.
They’ve been a real lifeline to people. It can often be the difference between somebody being able to engage in a court process or not.
Positive response
Clients valued the service highly, reporting improved understanding, confidence, reduced anxiety and better ability to have their views heard.
I think they enable the parent to have a voice, really, and make sense of what they really want to say. But to say it in a way that the court can access as well.
Key findings
Professionals within the justice system, stakeholders and data all suggest positive impacts on client wellbeing, perceptions of fairness, and case progress. Similarly, courts also benefited through smoother hearings, fewer adjournments and more usable evidence.
CASS+ makes a big difference to us as judges because it means we can manage our court hearings in a slightly more professional way.
Looking to the future
This evaluation from the Centre for Justice Innovation recommends:
- Continuing our service in the family courts
- Clarifying boundaries around legal advice
- Strengthening monitoring and evaluation
- Improving training and supervision
Overall, evidence points to CASS+ as a promising, affordable model to support litigants in person and ease pressure on family courts. On top of this, there is clearly potential for wider adoption.
If there’s something they could do better, that would be to roll it out everywhere.
Find out more
Find out more about the report from The Centre of Justice Innovation here.
Download the full evaluation here.
The summary findings are also available. Tina Wilkinson at Wilkinson Evaluation undertook the qualitative research by exploring process and impact questions from the perspective of clients, service staff and volunteers. The second report, from Stephen Whitehead at the Centre for Justice Innovation, looks at the impact of the service through the perspectives of court stakeholders, alongside analysis of quantitative data.
Get in touch
Interested in setting up a CASS+ in-court hub in your area?
Contact admin@cassplus.org to find out more.