Children Services
Adult Services
0207 101 4037
CALL US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION!
Section 7 Reports
What are Section 7 Reports?
A Section 7 report is a report prepared by CAFCASS or a social worker from the Local Authority (Social Services) in cases where an application has been made to the Court under Section 8 of The Children Act 1989. A Section 7 report may be required in cases where an application has been made to the Court for an Order under Section 8 of the Children Act 1989, in respect of which the parents cannot agree. Section 8 of the Children Act 1989 covers applications for Orders such as:
● a Child Arrangements Order, which can specify with whom the child is to live and/or the arrangements for the child to spend time with the parent (or other relative) with whom they are not living.
● a Prohibited Steps Order, which can prevent either parent from doing certain things or making specific trips with their children without the express permission of the other parent or Order of the Court, for example a prohibition (ban) from removing the children out of the country.
● a Specific Issue Order, which is an order to determine a specific question which has or may arise in connection with any aspect in relation to a child, for example which school a child shall attend, or any issues in relation to change of a child’s surname.
Contact Us Today!
To find out more about our Section 7 reports, call us today on 0207 101 4037 or simply email us at info@parent-help.co.uk.
What will Section 7 report contain?
A Section 7 report must contain all relevant background information in relation to the parents and the child, key facts, and evidence that the needs of the child have been considered in accordance with the Welfare Checklist. The report will also consider the child’s wishes and feelings, dependent upon their age and whether they are able to express these clearly, and what the author of the report considers to be in the best interests of the child. The welfare of the child will always be considered to be the Court’s paramount (most important) consideration.
The person who prepares the report may speak to the child (depending on their age and understanding) about their wishes and feelings and what they would like to happen. They will also spend time with both parties and listen to any concerns they may have. They may also speak to other people such as family members, teachers, and health workers. They will not ask the child to make a decision or to choose between the parents as to who they should live with and any contact they will have with the non-resident parent.
Length of assessment
The Section 7 report can take around 12 weeks. In some circumstance this timescale can be reduced subject to checks being received promptly and all information being gathered in a timely manner.
