What do they ask kids at cafcass interview?

[Nonmotherof3]

Please help!

DSD x 3 live with us f/t mum sees twice a month at contact ctr. The eldest 2 (9&7) are being interviewed this week prior to final hearing later in summer.

9 year old announced earlier that she wanted to live at her mum's because I wouldn't let her not eat her dinner because she had tummy ache and then eat a chocolate mousse....

What happens? Do they ask them directly?

They’ll probably do a child friendly exercise like drawings or a game to find out what their views are. They might ask them some questions directly.
They will take their wishes into account but look at all the information

At thise ages they will try and break the ice with something they are interested in. So school work/ favourite toy/ book etc. They will also ask specific child orientated questions which can cover anything. Questions will vary based on the details of the case.

My DP’s DC’s were interviewed (slightly younger than yours) and they were told very clearly that they had input into how much time they spent with mummy and how much time they spent with daddy. I was shocked at just how much they were told and when I voiced my shock, I was told this was fairly standard. So prepare yourself that they will be asked for their opinions. And if they say they want to see mummy more/ or that they don’t, that will be taken into account, but obviously only as one part of the bigger picture.

Do not however try and coach them (again I’m shocked at how many parents seem to do this). They need to be told that they can go into this and be honest and open and if they’ve been coached, this can come across in the language they use. They can also shut down if they feel conflicted and this in itself can cause alarm bells. All I can advise is that you try not to think about it too much. And do not let your anxiety (which you will naturally have) pass to them.

My experience with Cafcass was very negative.
When you get the report, please read it very carefully, anything that's incorrect do flag it with your solicitor.