Section 7 reports and hearing your child's voice

Sometimes the court needs a fuller picture before it can decide. It may then ask CafcassCafcass. The Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service, which advises the family court on children's welfare in England. Cafcass Cymru does the same in Wales., or the local authority if it's already involved, to prepare a section 7 reportSection 7 report. A welfare report ordered by the court and prepared by Cafcass or the local authority. under the Children Act 1989.^[2]

What a section 7 report is

A section 7 report is a detailed welfare assessment. It usually looks at:

• your child's needs, wishes and feelings
• each parent's relationship with the child and capacity to meet their needs
• any safeguarding concerns
• what arrangements would best support your child's welfare

It often takes several weeks or more. Judges place significant weight on its recommendations. They don't have to follow them, but they usually start from them and must explain why if they depart from them.

What usually happens

The officer may speak with each parent in more detail, sometimes in person or by video. They may visit homes, observe each parent with the child, speak with the child if they're old enough, and contact the school, GP or other professionals. They may also review documents and previous records.

How to approach it

• Cooperate. Return calls, attend appointments, provide information when asked.
• Be honest, including about the uncomfortable parts. If something difficult is likely to come up, raising it yourself, in context, is more credible than having it discovered.
• Be present when observed. Phone away. Real conversation. You don't need to perform, just be the parent you are.
• Know your child in detail. Specific knowledge of their school, friends, health and routines shows genuine involvement.
• Stay calm under difficult questions. They're part of the job. If you need a moment, take one.

Your child's voice

The court must consider your child's wishes and feelings, in light of their age and understanding. Older children's views usually carry more weight. A younger child's view may still be considered, but it will be weighed against everything else, including whether it seems to reflect what they have heard from adults.

Children can find this part of the process worrying. You can tell them, simply, that someone's job is to understand what's best for them, and that they can be honest. Beyond that, leave it alone.

Never coach your child. Don't rehearse answers, ask what they said afterwards or make them feel responsible for the outcome. Officers are experienced at recognising adult language in a child's words, and it can seriously damage trust in you.

When you receive the report

Read it twice: once to take it in, and again with a notebook. Ask:

• Is the account of my child accurate?
• Are allegations clearly attributed, or presented as findings?
• What evidence is each conclusion based on?
• Where I disagree, what can I point to?

If the report is broadly fair and you can live with the recommendations, the case may become much simpler, and agreement may be possible. If you disagree with important parts, address them in your position statementPosition statement. A short document setting out a parent's position and proposals before a hearing. with evidence. You can also ask for the author to attend a hearing to answer questions. Get advice before doing so, as it can affect the length and cost of the case.

When social services are involved

The court can ask the local authority to prepare a section 7 report. A section 37 direction is a separate step the court can take when it thinks a care or supervision orderSupervision order. A court order requiring a named supervisor, usually the local authority, to advise, assist and support the child. might be appropriate. It asks the local authority to investigate and report back. Section 37 of the Children Act 1989.

Understanding children’s social care The stages of social care involvement in Beyond the Referral.