Today, Wednesday 30 September, marks the final day of our Family Justice Project. This project was designed to support litigants in person through the family courts. The funding comes to an end and, with regret, we won’t be able to accept any more referrals for the service. We are proud of the work we have delivered since 2023 when we embraced this opportunity to work in this area.
How it started
Back in 2023, we received funding from the Access to Justice Foundation through the Ministry of Justice IOTLS programme. It is fair to say that expanding our service into the Family Justice System came with many challenges. However, our team rose to the occasion and worked incredibly hard to overcome issues. Over the three years, this project went from strength to strength, with many referrals coming from partners and agencies. As a result, during the course of the grant, we developed new processes and adapted to the increased volume of work.
Centre for Justice Innovation
The Centre for Justice Innovation conducted an evaluation of our service. Ultimately, this was extremely positive and demonstrated the difference that we were making in the family courts.
Support for 574 people
While it is with some sadness that the project has come to an end, we want to focus on the positive difference we have made. During the course of our work, we provided extended casework to 574 people. As a result, these people were able to access vital support at the most stressful time of their lives. We know that we were here for them when they needed the support the most. On top of this, we provided shorter term guidance and support to many more.
Our core mission
While this service has ended, it does give us the opportunity to develop our work within our core mission. The criminal justice system will always be our priority. CASS+ continues to be driven by the belief that we can reduce reoffending. We believe that with the right support and opportunities, people can reach their potential and put the past behind.
A message from the CEO
Over the last three years, we had built significant levels of experience and expertise relating to the family courts. I am so proud of the way our team has overcome so many challenges.
Steve Parker, CEO, CASS+
Thank you
Today, we want to say thank you to everyone. We are so thankful for this opportunity to support many people in their hour of need. In particular, we would like to thank the Access to Justice Foundation for their support, along with our many partners and friends who have helped us along the way.
Find out more
Above all, we’re celebrating the people who we supported going through family court alone.
Read some of their stories here and believe that, with the right support, change is possible:
Read Mark’s story here.
Find out how we supported Lizzie after domestic abuse here.
This is how Amber moved from homelessness to hope here.
Find out how Lee got back with his daughter here. Watch his video here.