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Cafcass Support

Preparing for a Cafcass Call

In many private children cases Cafcass carries out safeguarding enquiries before the first hearing. The call is not the final hearing and is not an opportunity to prove every dispute. It helps the Family Court Adviser identify child-welfare and safety issues for initial advice to the court.

Book a Free 30-Minute ConsultationSend an Email Enquiry

We aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 hours.

Step-by-step

  1. Read the application and welcome informationKnow what order has been requested and the current arrangements.
  2. Prepare a concise overviewNote the children’s routines, important history and the issues that affect their welfare.
  3. Separate facts from concernsSay what you directly know, what was reported to you and what evidence exists.
  4. Describe safeguarding concerns accuratelyUse dates, behaviours and impact. Avoid exaggeration; do not minimise genuine risk.
  5. Keep the child centralDiscuss the child’s needs, relationships, stability and experience rather than only the adult dispute.
  6. Explain workable proposalsBe ready to describe safe, practical arrangements and any support or safeguards suggested.
  7. Ask about next stepsClarify what happens with the safeguarding letter and whether Cafcass needs anything further.

What you will need

  • Case number and hearing date
  • Current child arrangements
  • Short timeline of relevant events
  • Specific safeguarding concerns
  • Details of professional involvement
  • Practical child-focused proposals

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Reading a long prepared speech
  • Personal attacks or speculation
  • Asking the child to choose sides
  • Sending documents Cafcass has not requested
  • Assuming the adviser makes the final decision

Practical paid support

How I can help

Cafcass Call Preparation

£60 per hour

Practical support organising your factual points, chronology and child-focused proposals before the call.

Included

  • Issue organisation
  • Concise preparation notes
  • Safeguarding information structured factually
  • Practical next-step checklist

Not included

  • Coaching you to give a misleading account
  • Contacting Cafcass for you
  • Legal advice or influence over recommendations
Book a Free 30-Minute ConsultationSend an Email Enquiry

We aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 hours.

Frequently asked questions

Will Cafcass speak to my child before the first hearing?

Cafcass says children are not usually interviewed during the initial work-to-first-hearing safeguarding stage. Later assessment may be different.

Is Cafcass part of the court?

Cafcass is independent of the courts but advises the family court. The court makes the decisions.

Official sources

Guidance checked: 1 November 2026. Always check the latest court order and official source before acting.

Important: This page gives general procedural information for England and Wales. The Everyday McKenzie Friend provides independent, non-regulated practical support and is not a solicitor or barrister. I do not provide regulated legal advice, conduct litigation or have an automatic right to address the court. Court decisions and permission for McKenzie Friend assistance remain matters for the court.