Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a CAFCASS Report?
Where court proceedings have been started and there is continuing dispute about arrangements for children, the court has the power to direct a CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) officer to prepare an independent report, which involves collecting information from relevant adults, other professionals, e.g. schoolteachers, and meeting the children themselves.
This report should be based on the welfare checklist and may contain recommendations for future arrangements for the children. When complete the report is filed with the court and a copy is made available to the parents and their legal representatives (if they have one). If your case proceeds to a full contested hearing the court can direct the CAFCASS officer to attend court and give evidence.
