What Is a Section 7 Report Under the Children Act 1989?
If you are involved in child arrangements proceedings under the Children Act 1989, the court may order a Section 7 report. This is a welfare report prepared to help the court decide what arrangements are in your child’s best interests.
Under section 7 of the Act, the court can ask either Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) or the local authority to prepare a report addressing specific welfare questions. Section 7 reports are most common in private law disputes between parents, for example where there is disagreement about where a child should live or how much time they should spend with each parent.
- where a child should live
- how much time they should spend with each parent
- whether contact should take place in a particular way
Why the Court Orders a Section 7 Report
The purpose of the report is not to “take sides”, but to provide an independent assessment focused solely on your child’s welfare.
The officer preparing the report will usually:
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meet each parent separately
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review the circumstances of the dispute
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speak with the child (depending on their age and understanding)
A Section 7 report is typically ordered where the court requires additional information about a child’s circumstances before making a Child Arrangements Order or other decision affecting the child’s upbringing.
What Happens During a Section 7 Investigation?
- interviews with both parents
- conversations with the child
- reviewing relevant documents
- contacting professionals involved in the child’s life
The Children Act Welfare Checklist
- the child’s wishes and feelings (considered in light of their age and understanding)
- their physical, emotional and educational needs
- the likely effect of any change in circumstances
- the child’s age, background and relevant characteristics
- any harm the child has suffered or is at risk of suffering
- how capable each parent is of meeting the child’s needs
- the range of powers available to the court
Do Judges Have to Follow a Section 7 Report?
Although a judge is not legally bound to follow a Section 7 recommendation, these reports are highly influential.
- engage constructively with the Cafcass officer or social worker
- provide clear and accurate information
- raise any safeguarding concerns calmly and appropriately
What If You Disagree With a Section 7 Report?
If you disagree with the report’s contents, legal advice is essential.
- clarify parts of the report
- allow written questions to be put to the report writer
- require the officer to attend court to give oral evidence
Getting Legal Advice During Children Act Proceedings
This article is for general information only and should not be relied on as legal advice. For tailored advice, please contact our specialist solicitors.
In most cases, the court will allow around 12 weeks for a Section 7 report to be prepared, although the exact timeframe can vary depending on the complexity of the case.
If the child is considered old enough and able to express their views, the Cafcass officer may speak with them to understand their wishes and feelings.
No. The court makes the final decision, but the report provides recommendations that often influence the outcome of the case.
Yes. If there are concerns about the report, the court may allow questions to be asked of the report writer or require them to give evidence in court.
