Cafcass opinion on film/TV certification

[freezedriedromance]

Currently going through CAO process/court. Cafcass section 7 to be done by mid November.

What would a cafcass officer generally think about a child (8) being allowed to watch a TV show rated 15? I don't think its appropriate for them to be watching it (with dad, at his), if I say anything to him it'll cause world war three.

Would a Cafcass officer think its ok? Am I overreacting?

If you stated I let a child in my care watch a 15 film I would deny it unless you could prove proof.

So concentrate on the things that you can prove or backed up by other third parties that can't be easily denied.

No sorry they aren't interested in this kind of thing. The courts will not micromanage what the children see and do during contact. They seem to prioritise the children's right to see the other parent over pretty much everything.

I'm not disputing contact though, so it would be pointless them being involved if that was the case.

I'm concerned about other things while in his care and wondered whether this would make any difference.
Its quite standard for them to speak to the child if I understand correctly, so wouldn't need "proof."

I would speak to social services if you have concerns. Cafcass are really the lapdog of F4J etc and "the right of the child to see both parents" often means "we have a very, very low bar when it comes to male parenting and will happily paint the mother as obstructive if she has legitimate concerns".

You're better off letting social services do their job and asking for their report to be taken into consideration by the court. If there are any concerns about domestic abuse, (including risk to the child) the family courts are supposed to follow Practise Directions 12J. I'd advise you very strongly to read these so you know what the process is supposed to be.

The social services concerns (and prior reports) have been received my cafcass, so they're aware of the background. I imagine making a separate report about this would be seen as overreacting? I assumed everything would go through cafcass now that the court process has started?

From my own experience with Cafcass - I would advise you to tell the Cafcass officer this, and let them then decide if they consider it significant or not. If it is part of a wider picture of concerns then they may. If it is the only concern they are less likely to. Ime they would rather you told them everything and they will then make up their minds for the report. They will speak to the children, yes, so if the children mention it then that is the proof - but they won't necessarily mention it. Cafcass use specific tools to interview children without leading them.

Ah, in that case if they are already aware, then no, i wouldn't contact them again.

Do you have legal representation?

Thank you both.

Yes I have a solicitor.
And yes, part of a bigger picture I suppose.

I guess on its own it would be a huge overreaction, but coupled with everything I just want to bury my head in a pillow and shout "they're a child, treat them like one."