A section 7 report is a report the court can order when it may need more information about what is in a child’s best interest and to obtain information about a child’s welfare. The court will often order a section 7 report when it is considering the following issues in a case:
- Where a child should live
- Whether a child should spend time with a parent they do not live with
- Home conditions and suitability of your home for a child
- Whether a child has suffered or is at risk of suffering harm
- A specific concern which has been raised
- The parenting capacity of one parent
It is important to remember, that the purpose of the report is to give the court a better understanding of the child and the situation the court is being asked to consider.
As with the majority of children court proceedings, the court may order a section 7 report after a safeguarding letter has been completed and sent to the court. Again, a safeguarding letter is usually a standard direction ordered by the court to provide basic information with regards to a child’s welfare. If the court feels more information is required after reading the safeguarding letter, a section 7 report may then be ordered.
The report will be carried out by an organisation called CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) or the local authority if they are already involved with a family with regards to a child. The person who will carry out the report will be a qualified social worker who works with families and the court.
Further information can be found at Section 7 report – Cafcass – Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service.
If you would like to arrange a confidential chat with one of our experienced family law solicitors as to how they can support you through your child care proceeding, or you would like further information on the services we offer, please call 01206 700113 or email [email protected].