The Work of CFAB

With the ever increasing movement of the world’s population across borders, whether voluntary or forced, family members often become separated by international borders, and such separation may leave family members vulnerable and at risk.

CFAB's mission seeks to promote and protect the rights of these families, children and other vulnerable adults across international borders, according to the UN Convention on Human Rights and on the Rights of the Child.

We operate on both a micro and macro level. We provide intercountry casework services directly to individuals and families or in partnership with relevant authorities, as well as delivering advice and training and specific projects related to intercountry social work, and seeking to influence policy and practice in the UK.

Through our international network of partners we facilitate the exchange of information across borders and work to improve the range and value of professional intercountry social work services offered to children, adults and families facing social, legal or personal issues with an international dimension.

Intercountry Casework Services

We handle a range of intercountry social work cases relating to child protection, children in state care, international family conflict, trafficking and asylum. Through our international network, we can access a range of services, share vital information on child and adult welfare issues across borders, and refer individual cases successfully between countries. Read more about our casework services here

Advice and Information

In providing intercountry casework services over the last fifty years, CFAB has established a unique expertise, based on evidence and experience. We offer a free Advice and Information Helpline for individuals or practitioners facing an intercountry situation, to assist them to deal with the matter in a manner most likely to result in a successful outcome.

Projects

Together with national and international partners CFAB has developed and delivers specific projects, related to international child protection, child abduction and vulnerable adults, as well as our travel assistance programme.

Training

CFAB seeks to increase the capacity of practitioners to resolve intercountry social work issues successfully by sharing its expertise. A range of training opportunities are provided, including workshops, information sheets, good practice guidelines, training seminars and other training events. Interested organisations can commission CFAB to develop and deliver training programmes on specific topics. Please contact us at info@cfab.uk.net where we would be happy to discuss your needs further.

Advocacy

CFAB seeks to influence policies and practices, promoting child rights and best practice based on our research, experience and evidence gained globally. We raise awareness
of children’s rights among professionals and advocate that these are taken into consideration when making plans or decisions for children. On an international level CFAB is active in helping create international guidelines on the protection of children and families and their rights, and in implementing them throughout the world.