Cafcass Section-7 Report
Definition
A report on a child's welfare prepared by a Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service officer or appointed expert under Children Act 1989 § 7, addressing the welfare checklist and making recommendations to the family court in disputed child arrangements proceedings.
- Jurisdiction
- England and Wales
- Legal basis
- Children Act 1989, section 7
- Prepared by
- Cafcass officer or appointed expert
- Addresses
- Welfare checklist and recommendations to the family court
Common questions
When does a family court order a section-7 report?+
It is ordered in disputed child arrangements proceedings, typically where parents cannot agree on living or contact arrangements and the court needs an independent professional assessment of the child's welfare before deciding the case.
Is a Cafcass section-7 report binding on the judge?+
No. It is evidence the court weighs alongside other evidence and submissions. The judge can, and sometimes does, depart from the report's recommendations, but must give reasons grounded in the welfare checklist for doing so.
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