What Is a Section 7 Report
A section 7 report is a welfare report prepared by CAFCASS under section 7 of the Children Act 1989. The court directs CAFCASS to investigate and report on matters relating to the welfare of the child. It is a much more detailed document than the safeguarding letter and can take several months to prepare.
What the Report Covers
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The CAFCASS officer will interview both parents, the child (if old enough), and potentially other significant people in the child's life such as teachers, GPs, or social workers. The report covers: the child's wishes and feelings, the child's physical and emotional needs, the arrangements proposed by each parent, any concerns about risk, and the officer's recommendation on what child arrangements order would be in the child's best interests.
The Weight Given to the Report
The section 7 report carries significant weight with the family court. Judges pay close attention to the CAFCASS officer's recommendations, although they are not bound by them. A report that recommends no contact or only supervised contact is a serious development that requires a careful and measured response.
How to Engage With the Process
When the CAFCASS officer contacts you, be cooperative and child-focused. Provide relevant information calmly and factually. Have specific examples ready. Do not attempt to brief the officer against the other parent -- focus on what you offer the child.
If You Disagree With the Report
You can challenge the section 7 report at the final hearing. Cross-examine the CAFCASS officer on their methodology, whether they considered all the relevant information, and the basis for their recommendation. You can also instruct an independent social worker to prepare an alternative report, although this is expensive.