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Assumption: "Cafcass will speak to your child before making recommendations about them."
1 min readThis content reflects observational insights and lived community experiences. It does not constitute legal advice — always consult a qualified professional for your specific circumstances.
What People Expect
Because Cafcass is the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service, parents assume the officer will meet and speak with their child as a matter of course before advising the court on arrangements.
Court Reality
Many parents report that Cafcass officers formed recommendations without direct conversation with their child — particularly older children who could express views. The welfare checklist requires officers to consider the child's wishes and feelings (ascertained in light of their age and understanding), but how those are gathered varies widely between officers. Some parents report their child was never spoken to; others say the conversation was brief or filtered through the other parent. If your child's voice is not being directly heard, you can raise this with the court — the judge decides what weight to give the report, and can direct that the child's views be properly ascertained.
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The Gap?
"Cafcass will speak to your child before making recommendations about them."
Court Reality
Many parents report that Cafcass officers formed recommendations without direct conversation with their child — particularly older children who could express views.
Seen a gap between what you thought and the reality? Share yours.
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