Cafcass section 7 reports — what goes in them and how to respond

REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-08-29

When a section 7 report happens

After safeguarding checks, the court often orders CAFCASS (or the local authority) to prepare a section 7 welfare report under the Children Act 1989 — a deeper investigation than the initial safeguarding letter. The Family Court Adviser (FCA) investigates and recommends.

What the FCA does

Speaks to each parent separately (and any partners living in the household)
Speaks to the child (age-appropriately, often at school or a neutral venue)
Checks with schools, health professionals, and any other agencies
May observe contact or a parent-child session
Considers the welfare checklist (see our guide)

The report itself

The s.7 report sets out:

What the FCA did and who they spoke to
The child's wishes and feelings (age-appropriately conveyed)
Each parent's strengths and any risk factors
A recommendation — typically a proposed arrangement or next step (e.g. a SPIP, gradual contact, or further assessment)

The recommendation is influential but not binding

The judge makes the decision. You can:

Challenge the factual accuracy — politely, with evidence (a date, a document, a witness)
Ask questions at the hearing — the FCA usually attends to answer them
Ask for a different recommendation to be considered — but bring evidence for why yours serves the child better

How to prepare (the honest version)

Be child-focused in every conversation — not "what I want"
Be consistent with what you've said before
Never use the child to deliver messages or involve them in adult conflict
Never coach them for the FCA meeting (they're trained to spot it — and it reads badly)
If you have concerns about the other parent, raise them with evidence

If you disagree with the recommendation

Tell the court at the hearing, explain why with evidence, and let the judge decide. The report is advice to the court — not the decision.

Official links

Cafcass s.7 reports: https://www.cafcass.gov.uk
Children Act 1989 s.7: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1989/41/section/7

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.