‘Concerns were raised’: who raised them?
‘Concerns were raised’ is one of the commonest phrases in a family court report, and it names nobody. The passive wording hides who raised the concerns, when, and on what evidence. This guide explains why that matters and how a father can find out what sits behind the phrase.
Why does the wording matter?
Compare “the mother raised a concern” with “concerns were raised”. The second sounds more established, and it removes the person. A later reader cannot tell whether one person said it once or several people said it independently.
What are the questions?
Ask who raised the concerns, when, and about what. Ask whether there was an investigation, and whether there was a finding, or whether it remains an allegation. Ask what evidence is offered, and whether your own account is recorded next to it.
How can wording change from one report to the next?
A concern in an early record can be copied into a later summary in shorter form, with the source and your response dropped. Each copy may be accurate to the one before, yet the overall picture becomes stronger. Comparing the versions in date order shows where that happened. Our free wording tracker is built for this.
What should you avoid?
Do not assume bad faith, and do not argue about the professional’s motive. Concentrate on what can be checked: the source, the status and what was left out. Our guide to allegations and findings explains the categories.
Where do you raise it?
Set out any factual error precisely and in writing, with the document and paragraph, through your solicitor or at the hearing. If you have a Cafcass safeguarding letter, start there: see our guide to the safeguarding letter.
Related guides
- What does ‘history of’ mean in a family court report?
- Allegation or finding: what is the difference?
- What is a section 7 report?
- Free checklist: your first 30 days in Family Court
- When You Can’t See Your Child: the book
Sources
- Practice Direction 12B, Annex 1 and paragraphs 13.2 to 13.7 (justice.gov.uk)
- Cafcass Cymru, Writing for children and families: practice guidance for practitioners, 2026 (gov.wales)
Sources checked 21 September 2026. Procedure changes, so check that each source is current before relying on it.
This guide gives general information about the standard process in England and Wales. It is not legal advice, and procedure changes. Some court areas use a different process, the Child Focused Model, so check your notice of hearing. Full disclaimer