SWFS Child & Family Support Programme

The SWFS Child & Family Support Programme provides a structured, child‑focused package of support, offering an alternative to the former Cafcass ICFA service. The 12‑week programme helps families overcome barriers to safe, positive, and sustainable child arrangements through regular caseworker led support.

Support focuses on:

• addressing obstacles to effective co‑parenting and spending‑time arrangements
• establishing safe, beneficial, and sustainable time‑with‑parent arrangements
• improving parental communication where possible
• considering support networks and longer‑term co‑parenting goals
• ensuring the child’s voice is central throughout the intervention

The programme is often used to support preparation and gradual progression of arrangements where a child has not spent time with a parent for an extended period, as well as to address the barriers affecting spending‑time arrangements. The service is intended for families involved in private law proceedings or pre‑proceedings and is available where both parents agree to participate.

An example of the standard programme: 

Weeks 1–2

We explore the family’s history, identify barriers, and agree shared goals for the programme. An initial summary is provided at the end of planning period outlining the focus and structure for the 8 weeks of intervention.

Weeks 3–10

Weekly sessions may include:

·  Co-parent information sessions

·  Online meetings via Teams with parents and children, where appropriate

·  Mediation‑style sessions with parents to explore the aims outlined

·  Child sessions to explore barriers and plan/introduce spending time with the other parent

·  Family time sessions and planning for future spending time arrangements

Weeks 11–12

During the final two weeks, the child and parents work with the caseworker to agree next steps, plan future sessions, and bring the work to a close. A final report is produced, including summaries from family time sessions, which can be shared with professionals supporting the family and with the court if required.

Further support is available after the programme, including ongoing family time sessions delivered virtually or in person to bridge any gap between the end of the programme and the next court date. Moving On services are also available for parents who are able to agree parenting plans and spending‑time arrangements.