Last updated: March 2026
Quick Summary
- A CAFCASS meeting usually starts with a short safeguarding telephone call before your first court hearing.
- CAFCASS officers are not there to judge you. They are there to understand what is best for your child.
- In more complex cases, the court may order a Section 7 report, which involves a deeper investigation.
- Preparing in advance, staying calm, and keeping the focus on your child’s needs makes a real difference.
- Family Law Service offers a fixed-fee CAFCASS Prep Meeting to help you feel ready.
CAFCASS Meeting
A CAFCASS meeting is a contact between a Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service officer and a parent or child during family court proceedings about child arrangements. It typically begins with a safeguarding telephone call ahead of the first hearing and may extend to a more detailed Section 7 report investigation if the court orders one. The role of CAFCASS is to advise the court on what is in the best interests of the child, not to take either parent’s side.
A CAFCASS meeting is something many parents going through the family court have not encountered before, and not knowing what to expect can make it feel more stressful than it needs to be. Whether you have just received a letter saying CAFCASS will be in touch, or you are trying to get ahead before your first hearing, this guide explains what actually happens, what CAFCASS questions you are likely to be asked, and how you can prepare well.
What Is CAFCASS and Why Are They Involved?
CAFCASS stands for Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service. It is an independent public body in England that works within the family courts. When a parent applies to the court for a Child Arrangements Order using a C100 form, CAFCASS is automatically notified and will make contact with both parents ahead of the first hearing.
CAFCASS officers are trained social work professionals. Their job is to give the court an independent view of the child’s welfare and circumstances. They do not work for either parent and they do not act as legal advisers. Their focus is entirely on the child.
The CAFCASS Safeguarding Call: What to Expect
For most parents, the first CAFCASS meeting is actually a telephone call rather than a face-to-face interview. This is known as the CAFCASS safeguarding call, and it usually takes place in the weeks before your First Hearing and Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA).
Both parents are contacted separately. The call typically lasts between 20 and 45 minutes. Before speaking to you, the CAFCASS officer will already have checked police records and local authority data for any safeguarding flags. During the call itself, they will want to understand:
- Your child’s current living arrangements and day-to-day routine
- What you are asking the court for and your reasons
- Any safeguarding concerns such as domestic abuse, alcohol or drug misuse, or risk of harm
- The child’s health, education, and wellbeing
- The relationship between the child and each parent
After speaking to both parents, CAFCASS prepares a short safeguarding letter for the court. This is read by the judge at the first hearing and can influence what happens next, including whether a Section 7 report is ordered.
What Is a Section 7 Report?
A Section 7 report is a more thorough investigation carried out under Section 7 of the Children Act 1989. The court orders one when it needs more information before it can make a decision about child arrangements. This might be because there are unresolved concerns raised in the safeguarding letter, significant disputes between the parents, or allegations of harm that need to be explored.
A Section 7 investigation typically involves in-depth interviews with each parent (sometimes at home), a conversation with the child if they are old enough, and contact with the child’s school, GP, or any other professionals involved. The CAFCASS officer then produces a written report with recommendations for the court. Judges give these reports significant weight, though they are not obliged to follow every recommendation.
“We speak to parents every week who feel anxious about their CAFCASS safeguarding call because they are not sure what will be asked or how their answers might affect their case. A little preparation goes a long way. It is not about scripting what you say. It is about understanding the process well enough to speak confidently about your child’s needs.”
Jess Knauf, Co-Founder, Family Law Service
Want Help Preparing for Your CAFCASS Call or Interview?
Our fixed-fee CAFCASS Prep Meeting gives you one-to-one time with a family law expert to go through the process, prepare your key points, and feel ready. You can also combine it with C100 form completion if you have not yet applied to court.
How to Prepare for a CAFCASS Meeting
Knowing what to expect at CAFCASS is only half the battle. Here are the practical steps that make the biggest difference.
1. Keep the focus on your child
CAFCASS officers are looking for parents who prioritise their child’s needs above the dispute with the other parent. Talk about your child’s routine, their school, their friendships, their wellbeing, and how you support them day to day. The more child-focused your answers are, the better you will come across.
2. Raise genuine concerns clearly and factually
If you have real safeguarding concerns, such as domestic abuse, substance misuse, or a risk of harm to the child, you should raise them. Use specific examples and dates where you can. Avoid vague generalisations or anything that sounds like a character attack. CAFCASS will also speak to the other parent separately, so if your account does not match other evidence, that will be noted.
3. Be honest, including about your own difficulties
CAFCASS officers are experienced professionals who already have access to police and local authority records. If you present an unrealistically perfect picture of yourself that does not match those records, it can damage your credibility. Being open about challenges you have faced, alongside what you have done to address them, tends to come across far better.
4. Write down your key points beforehand
Before the call, jot down a few notes covering your child’s current routine, what arrangements you are asking for and why, and any concerns you want to raise. You do not need a script. A few bullet points can help you stay on track if you feel nervous and your mind goes blank.
5. Take your time when answering
There is no pressure to rush. It is perfectly fine to pause, ask for a question to be repeated, or say you want to take a moment before answering. A considered, calm answer will serve you better than a hasty one.
Summary
A CAFCASS meeting is a normal and expected part of any child arrangements case in the family court. It usually begins with a short safeguarding telephone call and may lead to a fuller Section 7 report if the court decides it needs more information. CAFCASS officers are not there to judge you. They want to understand your child’s life and what arrangements will work best for them.
With a little preparation, the CAFCASS interview process becomes much more manageable. Stay child-focused, be honest, raise specific concerns where relevant, and take your time. If you would like professional support ahead of your call, our CAFCASS Prep Meeting is available at a fixed fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does CAFCASS ask during a safeguarding call?
The CAFCASS safeguarding call covers your child’s current living arrangements, your relationship with the child, what you are asking the court for, and any concerns you have about the other parent or the child’s safety. The officer will also have already checked police and local authority records before they speak to you.
How long does a CAFCASS safeguarding call take?
Most safeguarding calls last between 20 and 45 minutes, though this can vary. If your case is more complex, the call may take longer or be followed by further contact. A Section 7 investigation is a more substantial process that takes several weeks.
Does CAFCASS always order a Section 7 report?
No. A Section 7 report is only ordered by the court when it needs more detailed information to make a decision. Many cases are resolved without one, particularly where there are no serious safeguarding concerns and the parents can reach agreement at or before the first hearing.
Can I prepare what to say in a CAFCASS meeting?
Yes. Preparing key points about your child’s routine, your relationship with them, and any genuine concerns is sensible and practical. It is not about rehearsing scripted answers. It is about being clear and calm so your points come across well. Our CAFCASS Prep Meeting is designed to help with exactly this.
What happens after the CAFCASS safeguarding call?
After speaking to both parents, CAFCASS prepares a short safeguarding letter for the court. This is considered at the first hearing (FHDRA), where the judge will decide whether any further investigation is needed, whether the case can be resolved by agreement, or whether further hearings are required.
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Get Ready for Your CAFCASS Meeting
Our CAFCASS Prep Meeting gives you one-to-one time with a family law expert to go through what to expect, prepare your key points, and walk into your call feeling confident. Fixed fee, no surprises.