Can I challenge or correct a Section 7 report?

If you think a report contains mistakes, you can raise it with your solicitor (if you have one) and at court. You can also use official Cafcass feedback routes.

Cafcass Section 7 report (UK guide)

Q: What does a Section 7 report usually cover?

It can include information from parents/carers, safeguarding checks where appropriate, and practical recommendations to the court.

This page explains the basics of a Cafcass Section 7 report (often called a section 7 welfare report) in the UK. It’s written as general information and is not legal advice.

What is a Cafcass Section 7 report?

In child arrangements cases, the family court can ask Cafcass to prepare a report about a child’s welfare and what arrangements may be in the child’s best interests. The report is commonly referred to as a Section 7 report.

What it can include

Information from each parent or carer
Safeguarding checks (where appropriate)
Observations about the child’s needs and routines
Practical recommendations to the court

If you disagree with the report

If you believe the report contains mistakes, you can usually raise this through your solicitor (if you have one) and at court. If you want to provide feedback or make a complaint, you can also check the official Cafcass feedback routes.

Useful official links

Keyword focus: rate cafcass • cafcass section 7 • section 7 report

FAQ: Cafcass Section 7 report

What is a Cafcass Section 7 report?

A Section 7 report is a welfare report ordered by the family court to help it decide what arrangements are in a child’s best interests.

What does a Section 7 report usually cover?

It may include information from parents/carers, safeguarding checks (where appropriate), and practical recommendations to the court.

What if I disagree with what’s written?

If you believe the report contains mistakes, you can raise this through your solicitor (if you have one) and at court, and you can check the official Cafcass feedback routes.