Different Types Of Child Reports Explained

During child arrangements, the court can ask for many different types of reports to be carried out by Cafcass or experienced social workers. These reports help the court decide what child arrangement court orders need to be issued during the proceedings, in the short term and in the long term.

Here are the 3 most important reports –

WHAT IS A CAFCASS SECTION 7 REPORT?

A section 7 report by Cafcass is a detailed report ordered by the court during child arrangement proceedings where you and your ex-partner cannot agree on issues concerning your child. This report will contain facts and details guided by the court and looks into issues that the court has asked Cafcass to report on. It will take into account the child’s wishes, needs, and feelings. The child will be interviewed most probably alone, depending upon the child’s age. Cafcass may also speak to family members, teachers, counsellors, and health professionals in preparation of this report. The report will contain welfare issues, parental problems, family issues, and Cafcass recommendations about what they think should happen going forward.

It takes 12 weeks for Cafcass to prepare a section 7 report.

WHAT IS A SECTION 37 REPORT?

This is a report ordered by the court where there are serious concerns about the child’s safety during the child arrangement proceedings. There are fears the child may be at risk of harm. The section 37 report is either done by Cafcass or an experienced social worker and they will conduct a thorough investigation. This report will allow the court to determine what further action needs to be taken to protect the child, for example, a temporary care order or a supervision order. It takes about 8 weeks to prepare this report. During these 8 weeks, the child can be placed in temporary care.

If a child is interviewed for a section 37 report, they are usually accompanied by their parent. If Cafcass or the local authority feel that a care or supervision order is not required, they must state their reasons.

WHAT IS A SECTION 47 REPORT?

This report is ordered by the court to be carried out by Cafcass or experienced social workers. An assessment or investigation must be conducted when a child is in police protection, are the subject of an emergency protection order, or the child is suffering serious harm. 

This report must be completed within 45 days. Cafcass or the social worker will obtain reports from the police, health visitors, doctors, and the school. They will also talk with the parents. Normally, if a child is interviewed for a section 47 report they are interviewed alone.