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Original poster

CAFCASS Section 7 Report

36 replies

Toomuchwine89 · 15/08/2023 16:13

After 9 months of hell, refuge, temporary accommodation and so much stress from abusive ex, the Section 7 report is done.

I feel like I'm in a dream... just can't believe I've finally been heard.

Their recommendations are that I can relocate 2.5 hours away (we've been offered a house but are at dire risk of losing it if things don't move along), that ex's application for a PSO is dismissed, and that after supervised contact finishes in November, he moves onto 2 hours a month, supervised, in the community, away from our new home.

I was over the moon... but then my solicitor rang me today and said that she thinks there's no way he's going to accept that level of contact. He's already said how he refuses to be a "weekend dad" and has started speaking about shared care, which CAFCASS don't seem to agree with at all.

I know that judges don't always go with the CAFCASS recommendations, but I was under the impression that they usually do, and that he couldn't get the recommendations changed too much? Or can he?

I'm worrying now!

OP posts:
spanieleyes · 20/08/2023 07:47

In my county, professional supervision is only available for limited periods in contact centres, supervision " in the community" has to be by an agreed and vetted volunteer who is then trained ( ie watches several supervised sessions until they know what to look out for) before taking over completely. This may be the case for the OP.

Original poster
Toomuchwine89 · 20/08/2023 12:54

drspouse · 20/08/2023 04:24

Why do you have to provide a contact supervisor? Can't it be a professional?

I asked this but she said if I couldn't provide one then it would probably end up being his family member

OP posts:
SPKX · 11/01/2024 22:51

On what basis did they let u move and have child as live in?

Original poster
Toomuchwine89 · 16/01/2024 07:42

SPKX · 11/01/2024 22:51

On what basis did they let u move and have child as live in?

How do you mean?

OP posts:
SPKX · 17/01/2024 23:49

You have managed to get live in order with baby right? What did they check or ask for?

drspouse · 18/01/2024 08:58

OP I'd love to hear how it's going, if you got your house etc.

fernsandlilies · 18/01/2024 09:10

OP if I understand correctly he didn’t oppose the relocation itself in the recent solicitors letter?

Even if he did/still does, I would be inclined now to move, take the house before you lose it.

You shouldn’t, because it’s up to the court to decide, but with the reassurance of the Cafcass recommendation, I would take that risk. You would need to be apologetic to the court for acting unilaterally but the judges know how long the delays are between court hearings and they understand how this impacts people.

fernsandlilies · 18/01/2024 09:12

Oh sorry didn’t notice it was an older thread! I hope it all worked out for you OP

Iamvictorio · 08/04/2025 07:17

Hi,
Do I have to make a C2 application to request for CAFCASS officer to be present at final hearing, or should I just write to the court and to the CAFCASS officer? Thank you!

Iamvictorio · 08/04/2025 07:18

Courtadvice22 · 17/08/2023 14:51

The Judge isn't duty bound to follow the CAFCASS recommendation, however they would need VERY good reason to depart from it and they would have to ensure that is explained during the hearing.
I wouldn't start worrying yet, having CAFCASS write this is a really big green tick in your corner. I would direct via your Solicitor to ask the Court to ask the CAFCASS officer to attend the next hearing also so that they can explain if needed.
Doesn't matter what your ex wants, it what the Judge thinks is in your child's best interest. Having CAFCASS behind you will add huge weight to your case.

Hi,
Do I have to make a C2 application to request for CAFCASS officer to be present at final hearing, or should I just write to the court and to the CAFCASS officer? Thank you!

JMcK89 · 06/07/2025 18:59

Toomuchwine89 · 15/08/2023 16:13

After 9 months of hell, refuge, temporary accommodation and so much stress from abusive ex, the Section 7 report is done.

I feel like I'm in a dream... just can't believe I've finally been heard.

Their recommendations are that I can relocate 2.5 hours away (we've been offered a house but are at dire risk of losing it if things don't move along), that ex's application for a PSO is dismissed, and that after supervised contact finishes in November, he moves onto 2 hours a month, supervised, in the community, away from our new home.

I was over the moon... but then my solicitor rang me today and said that she thinks there's no way he's going to accept that level of contact. He's already said how he refuses to be a "weekend dad" and has started speaking about shared care, which CAFCASS don't seem to agree with at all.

I know that judges don't always go with the CAFCASS recommendations, but I was under the impression that they usually do, and that he couldn't get the recommendations changed too much? Or can he?

I'm worrying now!

Can I ask what happened in the end? I hope you and the kids are ok now.

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