What a CAFCASS safeguarding letter says and what to do about it

REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-08-29

The first CAFCASS document you'll see

After a C100 application is issued, CAFCASS runs safeguarding checks on all the adults. They contact the police and the local authority for records, then phone each parent. The result is a safeguarding letter sent to the court and both parties before the FHDRA.

What the letter typically contains

Whether CAFCASS has any safeguarding concerns about either parent
Whether there are previous CAFCASS involvement records
Whether the police or local authority have relevant records
A recommendation for how the FHDRA should proceed
Whether a fact-finding hearing is recommended (if allegations exist)
What contact arrangements they suggest as an interim measure

Reading it — what to look for

| If the letter says... | What it means | What to do | |---|---|---| | "No safeguarding concerns raised" | Clean checks — the case proceeds on the disputed issues only | Focus on the welfare checklist at the FHDRA | | "Concerns raised about [parent]" | CAFCASS found something (police record, social care history, etc.) | Be ready to address it factually at the FHDRA | | "Further enquiries needed" | CAFCASS wants more time or information | Cooperate fully — delay looks bad | | "Recommends fact-finding hearing" | CAFCASS thinks the disputed allegations need to be determined first | Prepare for a fact-finding hearing (see our guide) | | "Recommends supported contact" | CAFCASS thinks contact should start gradually at a contact centre | Accept it if reasonable — it's a stepping stone, not permanent |

How to respond

If it's accurate and fair: accept it, prepare for the FHDRA based on its content
If it contains a factual error: write to CAFCASS and the court immediately, politely correcting it with evidence
If you disagree with the recommendation: say so at the FHDRA, explain why, with evidence
If it raises concerns you weren't expecting: get advice (see our finding-a-solicitor guide) — you may need to respond formally

What NOT to do

Don't ignore the letter — the FHDRA proceeds whether you've read it or not
Don't attack the CAFCASS officer personally
Don't contact the other parent about what it says
Don't use the letter's content on social media

The letter at the FHDRA

The judge reads the letter before the hearing. It shapes what they ask and how they approach your case. Make sure your version of any disputed facts is in your position statement, referencing the letter where needed.

Official links

CAFCASS safeguarding: https://www.cafcass.gov.uk/grown-ups/parents-and-carers/
https://www.gov.uk/looking-after-children-divorce

This page is general information, not legal advice. YourFamilyCase.co.uk is an independent information directory and is not affiliated with CAFCASS or gov.uk.

Content verified against the official HMCTS court directory, gov.uk forms and fees pages, and the professional body registers (SRA, FMC, Bar Council). Last reviewed September 2026.

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