Working with CAFCASS in Prohibited Steps Order Cases: Advice for Parents

Introduction

If a Prohibited Steps Order (PSO) becomes part of your family dispute CAFCASS will often play a central role. I work with parents who find CAFCASS assessments intimidating and confusing. In this guide I explain how CAFCASS operates in England and Wales, what to expect at interviews and reports, and practical steps you can take to present a clear case that protects your child’s welfare. I write from experience and aim to make the process less daunting so you can prepare effectively and work with professionals to achieve the best outcome for your child.

What CAFCASS does in PSO cases

CAFCASS, the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service, assists the court by providing independent welfare assessments. In PSO matters CAFCASS may:

– interview parents and the child where appropriate

– prepare a safeguarding and welfare report for the judge

– recommend interim arrangements for contact or supervision

– advise on whether a PSO is necessary or whether alternative measures would protect the child

The court relies on CAFCASS to bring an objective view to disputed facts and to assess the child’s needs. CAFCASS officers focus on the child’s welfare, not on assigning blame to parents.

When the court will instruct CAFCASS

Judges often order a CAFCASS assessment where facts are contested or where contact and safety issues arise. The court commonly asks CAFCASS to:

– carry out a welfare checklist assessment under section 1 of the Children Act 1989

– interview the child where their views are relevant and age appropriate

– make safeguarding enquiries or liaise with statutory agencies

– recommend supervised contact or protected handover arrangements

Courts issue these directions early in contested cases to ensure the judge has an independent assessment before making longer term decisions.

How CAFCASS assessments work

CAFCASS follows a structured process. I explain the key stages to clients so they know what to expect:

1. Initial directions

The court sets a timetable and scope for the CAFCASS work. The directions will say what the officer should consider and the timescale for a report.

2. Documents and background checks

The officer requests documents such as previous orders school records medical notes and police or social services records. Provide these promptly when your solicitor asks.

3. Interviews

The officer interviews each parent and, where appropriate, the child. They may also speak to teachers, health professionals or other witnesses.

4. Analysis and report

The officer analyses the information against the welfare checklist and prepares a report with recommendations. The report goes to the court and the parties.

5. Follow-up

The court uses the report when giving directions for contact arrangements, expert evidence or a final hearing.

Preparing for CAFCASS: practical steps I ask clients to take

Preparation reduces anxiety and strengthens your presentation. I ask clients to do the following:

– Gather documents. Provide school records, medical letters, travel documents and any relevant professional reports. These help the officer build an accurate picture quickly.

– Prepare a truthful chronology. A concise timeline of key events helps the officer understand the sequence and urgency of incidents.

– Identify witnesses. Give names and contact details of people who can corroborate your account such as teachers neighbours or family members.

– Keep a behaviour record. Note relevant incidents with dates times and witnesses. Objective contemporaneous notes carry weight.

– Consider safety. If domestic abuse or safeguarding concerns exist tell me immediately so I can coordinate with CAFCASS and other agencies.

How I coach clients for CAFCASS interviews

I prepare clients for interviews so they feel composed and give useful answers. My coaching covers:

– Focus on the child. CAFCASS assesses the child’s welfare not parental guilt. Frame answers around the child’s needs routines schooling health and safety.

– Be factual and concise. Say what you saw heard or did. Avoid speculation and long emotional monologues.

– Explain routines and relationships. Describe daily care arrangements who the child lives with schooling health appointments and support networks.

– Disclose relevant incidents. Do not hide facts that might later emerge. Full disclosure avoids damaging credibility at court.

– Manage interactions. If you find it difficult to be calm practice brief answers and grounding techniques beforehand.

What CAFCASS will ask the child and how the officer protects the child

CAFCASS interviews children delicately and only when appropriate. Officers will:

– assess developmental stage and choose age suitable methods such as play or informal conversation

– explain to the child that they will only share information with the judge or relevant professionals

– avoid putting children in the middle of disputes or asking leading questions

– consider whether direct interview is necessary or whether the officer should rely on observations and third party reports

I support parents in understanding that the officer’s priority is the child’s welfare and that interviews aim to give the court the child’s voice without causing harm.

Dealing with allegations and safeguarding checks

If allegations of harm or abuse arise CAFCASS will investigate and liaise with police and local authority children’s services where necessary. I advise clients to:

– cooperate promptly with safeguarding checks and provide documents requested

– avoid contacting alleged victims or witnesses in ways that could be seen as intimidation

– seek legal advice immediately if social services or police start parallel enquiries

Cooperation with CAFCASS and other agencies usually demonstrates responsibility and supports a protective case for the child.

Understanding CAFCASS reports and recommendations

CAFCASS reports set out findings and recommendations. Reports typically contain:

– background and chronology

– summary of interviews and professional contacts

– assessment against the welfare checklist

– recommended interim arrangements for contact, supervision or safeguarding

– suggestions for further assessments such as psychological or medical reports

Judges treat CAFCASS recommendations seriously, but they remain independent judgments that the court weighs with other evidence. I review reports carefully and explain their practical implications and how to challenge inaccuracies.

How to challenge inaccuracies in a CAFCASS report

You can challenge factual errors or omissions in a CAFCASS report. I usually take these steps:

– request the officer’s attendance at the hearing so we can test points directly

– prepare a written schedule of factual inaccuracies with documentary evidence

– ask for updates or addenda where significant new information emerges

– seek directions for further enquiries if the report lacks essential evidence

Courts expect parties to engage constructively with CAFCASS but will correct material errors when they affect outcomes.

When CAFCASS recommends supervised contact or restrictions

CAFCASS often recommends supervised contact or specific safeguards where risk exists. Such recommendations do not permanently prevent a relationship; they create a safer environment while concerns resolve. If the officer recommends restrictions I will:

– review the suggested supervision arrangements for practicality and proportionality

– propose alternative safeguards if suitable, such as handover at neutral venues or electronic contact

– prepare a plan to show how restrictions could be reviewed and lifted as concerns reduce

Courts prefer proportionate interim measures with clear review points.

Working with CAFCASS when you disagree with recommendations

If you disagree with CAFCASS recommendations do not ignore them. I advise clients to:

– gather further evidence that addresses the officer’s concerns such as professional reports or witness statements

– negotiate with the other side around realistic interim steps

– ask the court for a fact finding hearing or further expert evidence if necessary

A constructive approach that produces fresh evidence usually persuades the court more than confrontation alone.

Costs and timing of CAFCASS work

CAFCASS reports take time and may affect costs and timetables. I explain likely timeframes and plan applications so we minimise delay. Where reports take longer than expected I press the court for realistic directions and consider interim relief where needed to protect the child.

Confidentiality and disclosure of CAFCASS material

CAFCASS reports are confidential to the court and the parties. The report forms part of the court bundle but the officer’s working notes remain subject to careful disclosure rules. If you want access to materials I will apply to the court where necessary and explain what the law allows.

Practical checklist for parents before CAFCASS involvement

To prepare efficiently I ask clients to:

– produce a short, accurate chronology of events

– collect school, medical and professional documents

– save messages and emails in original form and take dated screenshots where appropriate

– list independent witnesses and their contact details

– think about the child’s routine, schooling, health and key relationships

Early organisation makes CAFCASS work quicker and improves the quality of the report.

How I support you through the CAFCASS process

At Alexander JLO Solicitors I provide practical support from start to finish. I will:

– prepare your evidence bundle and chronology

– coach you for interviews with CAFCASS and in court

– challenge factual errors and, where necessary, cross examine the officer

– propose realistic safeguarding plans that address the officer’s concerns

– work with other professionals to obtain medical or psychological reports when needed

My role is to make the process less daunting and to ensure the court receives a clear, child focussed picture.

Conclusion

CAFCASS plays a vital role in PSO cases by offering the court an independent welfare assessment. Working cooperatively with CAFCASS improves outcomes for children and reduces uncertainty for parents. If you find the process daunting contact me at Alexander JLO Solicitors. I will prepare your evidence, coach you for interviews, and present a clear case to CAFCASS and the court that keeps your child’s welfare at the centre of every decision.

At Alexander JLO we have many years of experience of dealing with all aspects of family law and will be happy to discuss your case in a free no obligation consultation. Why not call us on +44 (0)20 7537 7000, email us at info@london-law.co.uk or get in touch via the contact us button and see what we can do for you?

This blog was prepared by Alexander JLO’s senior partner, Peter Johnson on 1st November 2025 and is correct at the time of publication. With decades of experience in almost all areas of law Peter is happy to assist with any legal issue that you have. He is widely regarded as one of London’s leading divorce lawyers. His profile on the independent Review Solicitor website can be found Here