A Section 7 report is an independent welfare report ordered by a family court under Section 7 of the Children Act 1989. It helps judges decide what’s in a child’s best interests when parents cannot agree on arrangements, such as where the child lives or how much contact they have with each parent.
In this article, Woolley & Co, Solicitors explain what a Section 7 report is, when it’s used, who prepares it, and how recent government changes to protect children from abusive parents may influence future reports.
Common questions about Section 7 reports
Q: Who writes it?
A: Usually a CAFCASS officer or social worker.
Q: Why is it needed?
A: To provide the court with an independent view when parents disagree about child arrangements.
Q: Does it assume both parents should have contact?
A: Not necessarily, especially after the Government’s 2025 decision to repeal the presumption of parental involvement, which prioritises child safety over automatic contact.
When does the court request a Section 7 report?
A court may order a Section 7 report when:
- Parents disagree about living or contact arrangements.
- There are safeguarding or welfare concerns.
- The judge needs independent evidence before making a decision.
Section 7 reports are common in applications for:
- Child arrangements orders (who the child lives with or sees)
- Specific issue orders (decisions about schooling, religion, medical treatment, etc.)
- Prohibited steps orders (to prevent a parent from taking certain actions).
The aim is to give the court a clear, unbiased picture of what arrangements best serve the child’s wellbeing.
How does CAFCASS assess your situation?
Most reports are written by CAFCASS officers (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service). In some cases, a local authority social worker may be asked to prepare it instead.
Their job is to:
- Meet both parents separately.
- Speak with the child (if appropriate).
- Review background records, including police, school, and safeguarding reports.
- Assess the situation using the welfare checklist under the Children Act 1989.
The finished report is sent to the court and both parties before the final hearing.
What does a Section 7 report include?
A Section 7 report normally covers:
- The child’s living arrangements and relationships with each parent.
- The child’s wishes and feelings (depending on age and maturity).
- Any evidence of domestic abuse, neglect, or coercive control.
- Each parent’s ability to meet the child’s physical and emotional needs.
- Recommendations about where the child should live, how contact should work, and whether any supervision or safeguards are required.
Although the court is not bound by the report, its recommendations are highly influential. Judges rely on these professional assessments to make informed decisions.
How long does a Section 7 report take?
A Section 7 report usually takes 10–12 weeks to complete. Delays can occur if background checks are complex or safeguarding concerns arise.
During this time, parents should:
- Attend all meetings promptly.
- Cooperate with CAFCASS or the social worker.
- Provide accurate, honest information.
Avoid attempting to coach or influence your child’s responses, professionals are trained to detect pressure and focus solely on the child’s welfare.
Recent changes: prioritising safety over parental involvement
In October 2025, the UK Government announced plans to repeal the presumption of parental involvement under the Children Act 1989. This means courts will no longer automatically assume that contact with both parents benefits the child in every case.
The policy aims to protect children from abusive or harmful parents, ensuring that safety and wellbeing are placed above maintaining contact at any cost.
How this affects Section 7 reports
While the mechanism of Section 7 reports hasn’t changed, the context in which they are written has shifted.
In future, professionals preparing Section 7 reports will:
- Give greater weight to risk and safeguarding factors.
- Avoid assumptions that both parents’ involvement is positive if abuse is alleged or proven.
- Recommend limited or supervised contact where necessary to protect the child.
Until the repeal becomes law, this remains a policy direction, but it’s already shaping the way courts and CAFCASS approach child welfare assessments.
How to prepare for a Section 7 report
If a Section 7 report is ordered in your case:
- Cooperate fully – respond to requests and attend meetings.
- Be honest – professionals value transparency.
- Focus on your child’s needs, not the conflict.
- Stay calm and polite, your behaviour and communication style are part of the assessment.
- Seek legal advice early, a solicitor can help you prepare and understand what to expect.
Get specialist advice from Woolley & Co, Solicitors
A Section 7 report can strongly influence your case’s outcome. Understanding how the process works, and what courts prioritise, can make a real difference.
At Woolley & Co, Solicitors, our experienced family lawyers advise parents through every stage of children’s proceedings, including Section 7 reports, child arrangements, and safeguarding concerns.
Call 0800 321 3832 or complete our online form for a free initial call with one of our child law specialists to talk through your situation and how we can help.
Rachel Lander
Family law solicitor, Buckingham
