Cafcass capacity is finite. Local authority social workers carry heavy caseloads. The family court increasingly relies on independent social workers (ISWs) to provide focused, time-bound expert input.
Section 7 and 37 work
ISWs are commissioned to produce welfare and threshold reports where Cafcass or the LA cannot, or where independence is specifically required.
Expert witness work
Under Part 25 of the Family Procedure Rules, an ISW can be jointly instructed as an expert witness on parenting, attachment, risk and safeguarding questions.
Specialist assessments
Parenting capacity, pre-birth, risk and connected-carer assessments are routine ISW work.
Supervised contact and observation
ISWs deliver and report on contact where the court has directed supervision.
Related service
Expert Witness Social Worker →Expert witness instructions in family and care proceedings.