CAFCASS Section 7 Report — What to Expect

What is a CAFCASS Section 7 Report?

A Section 7 report is a written assessment that the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS) prepares for the family court when a judge needs more information about a child’s welfare. It is called a “Section 7” because it is made under Section 7 of the Children Act 1989.

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When the Court Usually Orders One

• After the First Hearing (FHDRA) – The First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA) is the first court meeting where the judge tries to see if the parents can agree on arrangements for the child.
• If Issues Remain Contested – When the parents still disagree about where the child should live, how much time they should spend with each parent, or there are worries about safety, the judge may ask CAFCASS to prepare a Section 7 report to help decide what is best for the child.
• The order will say exactly what the report should look at (for example, “the child’s wishes and feelings, parenting capacity, and any risk of harm”).

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What CAFCASS Looks At

| Area | What CAFCASS Considers (in plain language) |

|------|---------------------------------------------|

| Child’s wishes and feelings | How the child feels about living arrangements, school, friends, and each parent. The child’s age and maturity affect how much weight this gets. |

| Parenting capacity | Each parent’s ability to meet the child’s day‑to‑day needs (food, clothing, health, education, emotional support) and to provide a safe, stable home. |

| Risk factors | Any signs of harm or risk to the child – such as domestic abuse, substance misuse, mental health concerns, or neglect. CAFCASS also looks at protective factors (e.g., support from extended family). |

| Child’s needs | Educational, health, emotional, and cultural needs, and how each parent’s proposal would meet them. |

| Wider context | Relationships with siblings, grandparents, and other important people; the child’s school and community ties. |

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How CAFCASS Conducts the Enquiries

1. Initial contact – A CAFCASS officer (often called a Family Court Adviser) will write to both parents to explain the process and arrange meetings.

2. Interviews with parents – Separate meetings (usually face‑to‑face, but can be by video or phone) where each parent can talk about their views, concerns, and what they propose for the child.

3. Meeting the child – If the child is old enough and it is appropriate, the adviser will speak with the child alone, in a child‑friendly setting (often at school, home, or a CAFCASS office). The adviser will listen to the child’s wishes and feelings without pressure.

4. Checking with other agencies – With the parents’ permission (or sometimes without, if the court orders it), CAFCASS may contact:

- The child’s school or nursery (to see attendance, behaviour, and any concerns).

- The child’s GP or health visitor (for health information).

- Other relevant professionals (e.g., a social worker, if one is already involved).

5. Reviewing any existing documents – Such as previous court orders, police reports, or social services records, if they are relevant and lawful to share.

6. Writing the report – The adviser brings together what they have learned, analyses it against the child’s welfare checklist (the legal test the court uses), and makes clear recommendations.

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How Long It Usually Takes

• Typical timeframe: About 12 weeks from the date the court orders the report to when CAFCASS submits it to the court.
• What can affect timing:

- Availability of the parents and child for interviews.

- How quickly schools, GPs, or other agencies respond to requests for information.

- Whether the case is particularly complex (e.g., multiple allegations of risk).

• The court will usually give a deadline; if you think you need more time to participate, let the CAFCASS officer know as soon as you can.

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What the Report Concludes

• Recommendations to the judge – The report will set out what CAFCASS believes is in the child’s best interests, based on the welfare checklist. This might include:

- Where the child should live (primary residence).

- How much time the child should spend with each parent (contact arrangements).

- Any specific conditions (e.g., supervised contact, attendance at a parenting course, or a referral to support services).

- If there are concerns about risk, the report may suggest safeguards or further assessments (e.g., a drug and alcohol test, a psychological evaluation).

• Not a final decision – The judge reads the report, considers it alongside any other evidence, and then makes the final order. The judge can agree with CAFCASS’s recommendations, change them, or reach a different conclusion.

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How a Litigant in Person Can Best Engage with the Process

| Step | Practical Tips (plain English) |

|------|---------------------------------|

| 1. Respond promptly | When CAFCASS contacts you, reply as soon as you can. Confirm dates for meetings and let them know if you need to change anything. |

| 2. Prepare for your interview | Think about what you want to say beforehand: your daily routine with the child, any concerns you have about the other parent, and what arrangement you think would work best. You can bring notes, but remember the adviser is there to listen, not to judge. |

| 3. Be open and honest | Share relevant information (e.g., health issues, work schedule, support network). If there are risks you’re aware of, mention them – CAFCASS needs a full picture to keep the child safe. |

| 4. Focus on the child’s needs | Try to talk about what the child needs (stability, schooling, emotional support) rather than just what you want. The adviser’s job is to assess the child’s welfare. |

| 5. Keep records | Note down the date and time of any contact with CAFCASS, who you spoke with, and what was discussed. This helps you remember details if you need to refer back later. |

| 6. Ask questions if you’re unsure | If you don’t understand something the adviser says, ask for clarification. It’s okay to say, “Can you explain that a bit more?” |

| 7. Respect the child’s voice | If the adviser wants to meet your child alone, support that (unless there is a genuine safety reason not to). The child’s perspective is important. |

| 8. After the report is written | You will receive a copy (usually through your solicitor if you have one, or directly if you’re representing yourself). Read it carefully. If you think something is factually wrong, you can point it out to the court later – but you cannot change the report itself. |

| 9. Stay calm and child‑focused | The process can feel stressful. Try to keep conversations polite and focused on the child’s welfare; this helps the adviser see you as a cooperative parent. |

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Quick Checklist for You

• ☐ Reply to CAFCASS’s first letter within the timeframe they give.
• ☐ Attend all scheduled interviews (or let them know ASAP if you can’t).
• ☐ Bring a brief note of the key points you want to make.
• ☐ Keep a simple log of dates, times, and who you spoke with.
• ☐ Ask for clarification if anything is unclear.
• ☐ Remember the adviser is looking at what’s best for the child, not taking sides.

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Remember: This explanation is meant to help you understand the general process and what to expect. It is not legal advice tailored to your personal situation. If you have specific concerns, need help preparing your statements, or are unsure about how the report might affect your case, please consider speaking with a solicitor, a legal adviser, or a trusted support organisation (such as Citizens Advice or a local law centre). They can give you advice that fits your circumstances.

Wishing you strength and clarity as you move forward.