What to do when CAFCASS gets it wrong — challenging a section 7 report or safeguarding letter

REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-08-29

CAFCASS reports are advice, not gospel

A Cafcass safeguarding letter or section 7 report carries significant weight — but it is advice to the court, not the court's decision. You have the right to challenge it if it's inaccurate, unfair, or based on incomplete information.

How to challenge a CAFCASS report

1. At the hearing (the most effective route)

Tell the judge which specific findings or recommendations you disagree with
Explain why, with evidence (dates, documents, witnesses)
Ask the judge to hear from you directly (give evidence) if the FCA's account of what you said is inaccurate

2. Ask for specific corrections

If the report contains a factual error (wrong date, wrong school, missed information), point it out politely and ask the FCA to correct it
If the FCA refuses, ask the court to note your position

3. Complain to CAFCASS

Via https://www.cafcass.gov.uk/contact-us
For complaints about the adviser's conduct (not the substance of the recommendation)
A complaint won't change the court's decision — but can address poor practice

4. Judicial review (rare)

For a Cafcass decision that is irrational or procedurally flawed — very high bar
Only with specialist advice

Common errors in CAFCASS reports

Inaccurate dates or facts (easily corrected if you have documentary evidence)
Mischaracterising what you said in interview
Relying on unproven allegations as if they were fact
Failing to interview key witnesses (school, GP)
Overweighting the other parent's account and underweighting yours

How to prevent errors

Take notes at every CAFCASS meeting and confirm what you said by email afterwards
Provide documents (school letters, medical records, messages) rather than asking the FCA to believe you
Ask the FCA what they plan to include in the report before they finalise it

If you're a survivor facing a poor recommendation

If the report minimises abuse or recommends contact that feels unsafe, raise PD12J explicitly:

Remind the court of the abuse allegations (see our PD12J guide)
Ask for a fact-finding hearing if one hasn't happened
Ask for supported/supervised contact pending assessment
The court must consider the safety of the child and the non-abusive parent

Official links

Cafcass complaints: https://www.cafcass.gov.uk/contact-us
PD12J: https://www.justice.gov.uk/courts/procedure-rules/family

This page is general information, not legal advice. YourFamilyCase.co.uk is an independent information directory and is not affiliated with Cafcass or gov.uk.

Content verified against the official HMCTS court directory, gov.uk forms and fees pages, and the professional body registers (SRA, FMC, Bar Council). Last reviewed September 2026.