If you’ve just been told that CAFCASS will be in touch, there’s a good chance you’re reading this late at night and wondering what happens next.
Take a breath.
Being contacted by CAFCASS does not mean you are in trouble. It does not mean anyone has decided you are a bad parent. It also does not mean social services are automatically involved.
CAFCASS is there to help the family court understand what is happening for the children, especially when parents cannot agree on arrangements after separation.
This guide explains what CAFCASS does, when they get involved, what to expect before your first hearing, and how to prepare calmly.
Important: This article is general information for parents in England and Wales. It is not legal advice. If there are safeguarding concerns, domestic abuse allegations, or urgent risks to a child, consider speaking to a family solicitor, a domestic abuse support service, or the court directly.
What is CAFCASS?
CAFCASS stands for the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service.
It is an independent organisation that works with the family courts in England and Wales. Its role is to advise the court on children’s welfare when parents or carers are involved in family court proceedings.
In private children cases, CAFCASS may become involved when parents disagree about things like:
- where a child should live
- how much time a child should spend with each parent
- whether a parent can move away with the child
- which school a child should attend
- whether certain contact arrangements are safe or suitable
A CAFCASS officer is usually called a Family Court Adviser, or FCA. Many are qualified social workers, but CAFCASS is not the same as local authority children’s services.
Their job is not to “catch you out”. Their role is to help the court understand what arrangements may be safest and most suitable for the child.
When does CAFCASS get involved?
CAFCASS usually becomes involved after one parent makes a C100 application to the family court.
A C100 form is used when a parent or carer applies for a court order about children. This may include:
- a Child Arrangements Order
- a Specific Issue Order
- a Prohibited Steps Order
In plain English, this covers disputes about where a child lives, when they see each parent, or whether one parent can make a major decision the other parent disagrees with.
Once the court receives the application, CAFCASS is usually sent the paperwork and begins initial safeguarding checks before the first hearing.
What happens before the first hearing?
Before the first family court hearing, CAFCASS normally carries out safeguarding checks.
This usually involves two things.
First, CAFCASS checks with the police and the local authority to see whether there is any relevant information the court should know about.
Second, CAFCASS usually tries to speak to each parent separately by phone.
This call is often called a safeguarding call. It is not always long, but it can feel intense because the adviser may ask about sensitive topics, including:
- the court application
- your concerns about the child
- domestic abuse allegations
- drug or alcohol misuse
- mental health concerns
- police involvement
- social services history
- whether the child is safe with each parent
After these checks, CAFCASS prepares a short safeguarding letter for the court. This is normally sent to the court before the first hearing, known as the FHDRA.
FHDRA stands for First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment.
What is CAFCASS looking for?
CAFCASS is not grading you as a parent.
They are trying to understand what is happening for the child and whether there are any welfare or safeguarding concerns the court needs to consider.
They may pay attention to:
- whether the child feels safe
- how each parent talks about the other
- whether each parent can focus on the child’s needs
- whether the proposed arrangements are realistic
- whether there are risks such as domestic abuse, coercive control, substance misuse, neglect, or emotional harm
- whether the child is being placed under pressure or encouraged to take sides
A parent who stays calm, child-focused, and factual will usually come across better than a parent who uses the call to attack the other side.
That does not mean you should hide serious concerns. If there are genuine safeguarding issues, say so clearly. The key is to explain them calmly and with examples where possible.
Will CAFCASS speak to my child?
Not always.
In many cases, CAFCASS only carries out the initial safeguarding checks before the first hearing.
If the case is more complicated, the court may ask CAFCASS to prepare a fuller report. This is called a Section 7 report.
If a Section 7 report is ordered, the Family Court Adviser may speak to the parents in more detail and may also speak to the child, depending on the child’s age, understanding, and the issues in the case.
Children are not automatically interviewed. CAFCASS will consider whether it is appropriate and how to do it in a way that does not make the child feel pressured or responsible for the decision.
What is a Section 7 report?
A Section 7 report is a more detailed report ordered by the court.
The court may ask for one if it needs more information before deciding what arrangements are best for the child.
A Section 7 report may cover:
- each parent’s position
- the child’s wishes and feelings, where appropriate
- any safeguarding concerns
- the child’s relationship with each parent
- practical issues around contact or living arrangements
- CAFCASS’s recommendations to the court
The recommendations are important, but they are not the final decision. The judge makes the final order.
That said, CAFCASS recommendations can carry significant weight, so it is worth taking the process seriously.
How to prepare for a CAFCASS phone call
Most parents feel nervous before speaking to CAFCASS. That is normal.
The best thing you can do is prepare without over-rehearsing.
Before the call, write down:
- the main arrangements you think would work best for the child
- any concerns you have about safety or welfare
- examples of important incidents, with dates if possible
- what has worked well in the past
- what you think the child needs now
Keep it focused. Three or four clear points are better than a long emotional speech.
Try to avoid:
- insulting the other parent
- exaggerating
- guessing what the child thinks
- coaching the child
- using the call to argue the whole relationship history
- making claims you cannot explain
The adviser does not need a full history of every disagreement. They need to understand what matters for the child now.
What should I say if there has been domestic abuse?
If there has been domestic abuse, coercive control, harassment, threats, stalking, or any behaviour that makes you or the child feel unsafe, you should explain this clearly.
Try to give specific examples.
For example:
“I am worried about unsupervised contact because there was an incident on [date] where [brief factual description]. The police were called and the reference number is [number], if available.”
You do not need to sound polished. You need to be clear.
If you are frightened of the other parent, say so. If you are worried about the child being pressured, exposed to arguments, or used to pass messages, explain that too.
If there are immediate risks, do not wait for CAFCASS. Contact the police, children’s services, a domestic abuse support service, or seek urgent legal advice.
What if the other parent makes allegations about me?
This is one of the most stressful parts of the process.
If allegations are made about you, try not to respond with anger. CAFCASS and the court will expect each parent to have their own version of events.
When responding:
- stay calm
- address the specific allegation
- give facts, not insults
- provide evidence if you have it
- explain what arrangements you believe are safe and child-focused
For example:
“I disagree with that allegation. There has never been police involvement or social services involvement. I understand the court needs to consider it, but I do not accept that it reflects what has happened.”
Avoid saying things like:
“They’re a liar and they’re trying to destroy me.”
Even if you feel that way, it usually does not help your case.
What happens at the first hearing?
The first hearing is usually called the FHDRA.
At this hearing, the court looks at the application, the safeguarding information, and the issues between the parents.
The court may:
- help parents reach an agreement
- make an interim order
- order a Section 7 report
- ask for more evidence
- consider whether a fact-finding hearing is needed
- list the case for another hearing
Some cases are resolved at the first hearing. Others continue for several months, especially where there are safeguarding concerns or serious disagreement about what is best for the child.
Can I disagree with CAFCASS?
Yes.
You can disagree with CAFCASS, but how you do it matters.
If you receive a safeguarding letter or Section 7 report and believe something is wrong, focus on specific points.
For example:
- a date is incorrect
- an important incident was missed
- something you said has been misunderstood
- the recommendation does not address a safeguarding concern
- the report relies too heavily on one parent’s version of events
Avoid dismissing the whole report just because you do not like the recommendation.
A calm, specific response is much stronger than a general complaint that CAFCASS is biased.
Practical tips for dealing with CAFCASS
Here are some simple ways to handle the process better.
Stay child-focused
Keep bringing the conversation back to the child’s needs, routine, safety, school, emotional wellbeing, and relationships.
Be honest about concerns
If something is serious, say so. Do not minimise domestic abuse, substance misuse, threats, or anything that could affect the child’s welfare.
Avoid coaching your child
Do not tell your child what to say to CAFCASS. Children often pick up on pressure, and professionals are trained to notice it.
Keep records
Save important messages, emails, police references, school communications, medical information, or anything else relevant to the child’s welfare.
Be realistic
Suggest arrangements that could actually work. Think about school times, travel, work schedules, handovers, and the child’s age.
Do not use CAFCASS as a weapon
The court is interested in the child’s welfare, not punishing your ex. Stay focused on outcomes that help the child.
CAFCASS and family court
Does CAFCASS always speak to both parents?
CAFCASS usually tries to speak to each parent before the first hearing. These calls are part of the initial safeguarding checks.
Is CAFCASS the same as social services?
No. CAFCASS is not the same as local authority children’s services. CAFCASS advises the family court. Social services become involved where there are concerns about a child’s safety or welfare in the wider child protection sense.
Does CAFCASS decide who gets custody?
No. CAFCASS does not make the final decision. CAFCASS advises the court. The judge decides what order should be made.
Also, the family court usually talks about “child arrangements” rather than “custody”.
What is a safeguarding letter?
A safeguarding letter is the short report CAFCASS sends to the court before the first hearing. It usually summarises checks with the police and local authority, the parents’ main concerns, and any safeguarding issues.
What is a Section 7 report?
A Section 7 report is a fuller report ordered by the court when more information is needed about the child’s welfare. It may include recommendations about where the child should live or how much time they should spend with each parent.
Will my child be interviewed by CAFCASS?
Not always. CAFCASS may speak to the child if the court asks for a fuller report and if it is appropriate based on the child’s age, understanding, and the issues involved.
Can I challenge a CAFCASS report?
Yes. You can raise concerns with the court. It is usually best to focus on specific errors, missing information, or concerns about the recommendations.
Should I get legal advice before speaking to CAFCASS?
It can be helpful, especially if there are allegations of domestic abuse, safeguarding concerns, or complex issues. You do not always need a solicitor, but early advice can help you understand the process and avoid mistakes.
Final thoughts
CAFCASS involvement can feel intimidating, especially if you have never been through family court before.
But the process is not designed to catch you out. It is there to help the court understand what is happening for your child and what arrangements may be safest and most suitable.
The parents who tend to manage the process best are not always the ones with the most polished arguments. They are usually the ones who stay calm, stay factual, and keep the focus on the child.
Prepare properly. Be honest. Do not coach your child. Take safeguarding concerns seriously. And if the case involves domestic abuse, urgent risks, or complex allegations, get proper support as early as possible.