Glossary – lawstuff.org.uk

CAFCASSCAFCASS is the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service who might talk to you if there is a case in the Family court about you. They have to check that you are safe and can write a report to the court about what they believe is in your best interests

CaffeineA drug contained in tea or coffee which can keep you awake

CAMHSCAMHS is the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, which is part of the NHS. CAMHS can support you if, for example, you feel anxious, have trouble talking or sleeping, have problems eating, find it hard to concentrate and many other things

CannabisAn illegal drug, also known as hash, skunk, weed, pot, marijuana, grass, dope and ganja

Care OrderIf you are at risk of significant harm and your parents cannot meet your needs, Children's Services can apply for a Care Order to get Parental Responsibility for you and place you somewhere safe

CarerA person who looks after you who is not your parent or guardian

Care SystemIf you are looked after by Children's Services, with the agreement of your parents or under a care order, then you will be in the care system

ChargeTo be charged is to be formally accused of a crime by the police

Charge SheetThis tells you exactly what crime you have been charged with

Child Arrangements OrderAn order from the court which says who you will live with, and who you have contact with. For example, this could tell you which parent you live with and when you spend time with your other parent

Child Assessment OrderAn order from the court allowing a social worker to have you medically assessed. You can refuse if you fully understand the situation

Child in NeedIf you are disabled or need support for your health or development the Local Authority can provide services and support to you and your family as a child in need under section 17 of the Children Act 1989

Child MaintenanceMoney to help with your living costs paid by the parent you do not live with

Child Protection PlanIf Children's Services think you are at risk they might put a Child Protection Plan in place which says things your parents or carers need to do to keep you safe

Children's GuardianA professional from CAFCASS who might talk to you if your parents go to court to find out what you want to happen. The Guardian will speak to the court on your behalf

Children's ServicesA department of the Local Authority who must identify and protect children at risk of harm, provide support to children in need and are responsible for children in care. Used to be known as Social Services

Child Safety OrderAn order from the court if you have committed a crime under the age of 10. It places you under the supervision of a social worker or member of the Youth Offending Team

Civil partnershipA relationship between same sex couples which is recognised in law. It is very similar to marriage

Clerk of CourtA person who works for the court to make sure it runs smoothly

CocaineA very addictive class A illegal drug which is usually in the form of a white powder

Code of PracticeThe rules that the police must follow when you are arrested and taken to the police station. You will be allowed to see this

CommitTo carry out

Community Care SolicitorA legal professional who specialises in matters involving Children's Services. They can help you if you are homeless and under 18, in care or leaving care

Community ServiceA form of punishment instead of going to prison. Community service usually means doing things for your community like picking up litter

CompensationSomething given when someone has done something wrong to make up for it; this could be money

ComplaintTelling the people involved that you think they did something wrong

ConfidentialKept private or secret

ConfiscateTake away, for example a teacher can confiscate your phone until the end of the lesson

ConflictDisagreement, different opinions, a clash

Connected personA connected person may be your relative or friend or someone else you know, such as a teacher, a babysitter or a neighbour

ConsentGiving permission

Contact CentreAn official place where you can spend time with one or both parents and sometimes other family members. It may be supervised

Contact OrderAn order from the court which says who you have contact with, for example when you spend time with the parent you do not live with

ContraceptionSomething which prevents the risk of getting pregnant. This is usually either a condom, a pill, an implant, injection or a coil

ConvictedFound guilty of a crime

CounsellingGoing to see a counsellor to talk about any problems you are having

CounsellorA professional who listens to you and talks through any problems you might have

Court OrderLegally binding decision made by the court

CrimeSomething which is against the law

Criminal OffenceSomething which is against the law

Criminal RecordIf you have a criminal record it means you have committed a crime. Some things will not go on your criminal record as a young person

Criminal ResponsibilityWhen you can be arrested or charged with a crime, the age of criminal responsibility is 10

Crown CourtThe court that deals with the most serious criminal cases

CustodyBeing held in a place, for example if the police take you to the station you are being taken into custody

Custody Sergeant/officerThe person in charge of your care and welfare if you have been arrested and taken to the police station

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