CAFCASS – Full Guidance (UK)
What is CAFCASS?
Cafcass stands for the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service.
It is an independent organisation in England that:
- Represents children in family court cases
- Advises family courts on children’s welfare
- Helps judges decide what is in a child’s best interests
- Works with families during court proceedings
Official website:
Government information:
CAFCASS is independent from social services and the courts, although it works closely with both.
1. What Does CAFCASS Do?
CAFCASS helps family courts make decisions about:
- Child arrangements
- Where children should live
- Contact with parents
- Safety concerns
- Domestic abuse allegations
- Care proceedings
- Adoption
- Public law proceedings
Their main duty is:
To protect and promote the welfare of children in family court proceedings.
2. Types of Cases CAFCASS Handles
Private Law Cases
Usually disputes between parents or carers, such as:
- Child arrangements
- Contact disputes
- Relocation
- Specific issue orders
Examples:
- Divorce/separation disputes
- One parent stopping contact
- School disagreements
Guidance:
- Private Law Guidance
Public Law Cases
Cases involving local authorities/social services.
Examples:
- Care orders
- Supervision orders
- Adoption proceedings
- Child protection concerns
Guidance:
- Public Law Guidance
3. Role of a CAFCASS Officer
A CAFCASS officer may be called:
- Family Court Adviser (FCA)
- Children’s Guardian
They:
- Speak with parents
- Speak with children
- Review police/social services records
- Prepare reports for court
- Make recommendations to judges
Official role explanation:
4. What Happens After a Court Application?
Step 1 – Safeguarding Checks
CAFCASS performs:
- Police checks
- Social services checks
- Risk assessments
This is called a:
- Safeguarding Letter
The safeguarding letter is sent to the court before the first hearing.
Step 2 – Safeguarding Telephone Interview
You may receive a call discussing:
- Domestic abuse
- Child safety
- Mental health
- Substance misuse
- Parenting concerns
Be:
- Calm
- Honest
- Child-focused
Step 3 – First Hearing (FHDRA)
The first court hearing is often called:
- FHDRA
- First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment
CAFCASS may:
- Attend court
- Recommend mediation
- Suggest further reports
- Recommend interim arrangements
Step 4 – Section 7 Report
The court may order:
- A Section 7 report
This report includes:
- Child’s wishes and feelings
- Parenting assessment
- Welfare concerns
- Recommendations
The court often gives significant weight to Section 7 reports.
5. The Welfare Checklist
Judges and CAFCASS use the Children Act welfare checklist.
Main factors:
- Child’s wishes and feelings
- Emotional needs
- Educational needs
- Harm suffered/risk of harm
- Capability of each parent
- Stability
Law:
6. Child Wishes and Feelings
CAFCASS officers may:
- Speak privately with children
- Ask children about feelings and wishes
- Use forms/letters for children
Official practice guidance:
CAFCASS says children’s views should be considered carefully but balanced against welfare and safety concerns.
7. Domestic Abuse and Safeguarding
CAFCASS assesses:
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Coercive control
- Harmful conflict
- Alienating behaviours
Guidance:
- Domestic Abuse Guidance (CAFCASS)
8. Preparing for a CAFCASS Interview
Good practice:
- Stay child-focused
- Avoid attacking the other parent
- Be factual
- Provide evidence where possible
- Explain concerns calmly
- Show willingness to co-parent safely
Helpful guide:
Key advice from professionals:
- Courts focus heavily on:
- Child welfare
- Stability
- Cooperation
- Safety
- Emotional wellbeing
9. Common CAFCASS Reports
Report Type
Purpose
Safeguarding Letter
Initial risk summary
Section 7 Report
Welfare assessment
Child Impact Report
Child-focused analysis
Rule 16.4 Guardian Report
Complex/high-risk cases
Position Statement
Hearing recommendations
10. If You Disagree With a CAFCASS Report
You can:
- Challenge inaccuracies
- Submit evidence
- Cross-examine the officer in court
- Ask for clarification
- Request corrections
You may need:
- A solicitor
- Barrister
- McKenzie Friend
Legal help:
11. Complaints About CAFCASS
Official complaints process:
You can complain about:
- Professional conduct
- Delays
- Communication
- Factual inaccuracies
You generally cannot complain simply because you disagree with recommendations.
12. CAFCASS Contact Information
Main contact:
- Telephone: 0300 456 4000
Official contacts:
13. Important Related Services
Service
Link
Family Mediation Council
Citizens Advice
Rights of Women
Rights of Women
Families Need Fathers
Gingerbread (single parents)
NSPCC
14. Key Things to Remember
- CAFCASS works for the child’s welfare, not either parent
- Judges often rely heavily on CAFCASS recommendations
- Being child-focused is critical
- Evidence matters more than accusations
- Cooperation and safeguarding are major factors
- The child’s voice may influence decisions depending on age and maturity
CAFCASS aims to ensure:
“Decisions are taken in children’s best interests.”