# Cafcass — Thames Valley: what they do in your family court case

REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-08-27

## What Cafcass is

Cafcass (the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) safeguards children's
interests in family court proceedings in England. After a C100 application the court asks Cafcass
to run safeguarding checks and produce a letter for the first hearing (FHDRA); a Family Court
Adviser (FCA) may then be appointed, and in care proceedings a Children's Guardian acts for the
child.

## The Thames Valley

Verified from Cafcass's official operational areas map (cafcass.gov.uk):

- **Area A7** — Bracknell Forest, Oxfordshire, Reading, Slough, West Berkshire, Wokingham,
  Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead (with South Gloucestershire and Swindon).
  Assistant Director: Gentian Dyer; Head of Practice: Nirmala Dutta.

## How to contact Cafcass

- **National telephone (all regions):** 0300 456 4000 — Mon–Thu 09:00–17:00, Fri 09:00–16:30
- **WhatsApp:** +44 7798 926 698 · **Email:** Telephoneenquiries@cafcass.gov.uk
- **Children's line:** 0808 175 3333
- Office finder: cafcass.gov.uk/contact-us/find-your-local-office

## How to work with Cafcass well

Be honest and consistent; stay child-focused; respond promptly; never use your child to deliver
messages; keep records.

## Official links

- https://www.cafcass.gov.uk/contact-us
- https://www.cafcass.gov.uk/cafcass-operational-areas-map

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*This page is general information, not legal advice. YourFamilyCase.co.uk is an independent
information directory and is not affiliated with Cafcass, HMCTS or gov.uk.*

*Content verified against the official HMCTS court directory, gov.uk forms and fees pages, and the professional body registers (SRA, FMC, Bar Council). Last reviewed September 2026.*