What is a section 7 report?
A section 7 report is a welfare report the family court can order under section 7 of the Children Act 1989. The court asks Cafcass or, in some cases, a local authority to look into a child’s circumstances and report on the child’s welfare. It is separate from, and fuller than, the safeguarding letter Cafcass provides before the first hearing.
Who writes a section 7 report?
The court directs either Cafcass or a local authority. That is a decision for the court, and although the parties can make representations, the direction can only be changed by the court. The court also sets the date the report must be filed.
When does a court order one?
Usually when it needs more information than the first hearing can give, for example where there are welfare concerns or disputed allegations that need further work. Reports are one of the things the court considers at the first hearing.
How long does it take?
The court sets the deadline. Commentators commonly report about 12 weeks, but this varies with the case and the court, so ask your solicitor or the court what date has been set in your case.
What does the author do?
Typically the author speaks with the parents, speaks with the child where that is appropriate, and may check with the police, social services or a school. The report then sets out the child’s wishes and feelings, the child’s circumstances and the author’s recommendations.
Does the court have to follow the recommendations?
No. The recommendations are advice, and the judge decides after weighing all the evidence. They can carry real weight, which is why accuracy matters.
What if the report contains errors?
Set out any factual errors precisely, in writing, with dates, and raise them with your solicitor or the court. Ask who said something, what actually happened, what its status is, and whether the wording has become stronger over time. The sample pages from our book explain this in more detail.
Related guides
- What is a Cafcass safeguarding letter?
- What happens at the first hearing (FHDRA)?
- Family court glossary: plain-English terms for fathers
- Free checklist: your first 30 days in Family Court
- When You Can’t See Your Child: the book
Sources
- Children Act 1989, section 7 (legislation.gov.uk)
- Cafcass, Policy on whether Cafcass or a local authority should prepare a section 7 report (cafcass.gov.uk)
- Practice Direction 12B, paragraph 14.13 (justice.gov.uk)
Sources checked 20 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