The CAFCASS Interview

£14

Facing a Cafcass interview is one of the most nerve-wracking parts of the family court process. You are being assessed, asked about your worst moments, and often doing it while you are still in survival mode. This information pack was written to change that.

Drawing on my own lived experience of Cafcass safeguarding calls and interviews, The Cafcass Interview walks you through what to expect, what they are really looking for, and how to show up as the calm, capable parent you are, even when everything in you feels anything but calm.

What's inside:

What Cafcass actually does, and what their role is in your case, so you are not walking in blind
A simple timeline of the court process, from the MIAM to the final hearing, so you know where you are
The different types of Cafcass contact: the safeguarding call, the Section 7 report, home visits and child interviews
What the officer is assessing, including the Welfare Checklist in plain English
How to prepare, from paperwork to mindset, with a printable checklist and notes pages to fill in
What to expect on the day, and the questions you are likely to be asked
How to talk about difficult topics (abuse, conflict, safeguarding concerns) clearly and factually, without becoming overwhelmed
Strong and weak example answers, so you can see the difference and find your own words
Common mistakes parents make, and how to avoid them
How to manage your nervous system before and during the interview, so fear or freeze does not derail you
What to do if your child is interviewed, and how to prepare them without coaching them
If you are worried about allegations being made about you
Protections and support at court, including special measures, adjustments you can ask for and free support
What to do if the report or letter contains inaccuracies, and how to respond
A glossary of the terms you will see in your letters, affirmations for the hard days and a UK support directory

This is not legal advice, and it is not a textbook. It is the pack I wish someone had handed me before my own Cafcass interview: practical, honest, and written by someone who has been in that room.

This information pack relates to England. It is general information, not legal advice, so please take advice on your own situation.

The CAFCASS Interview

£14

What's inside:

What Cafcass actually does, and what their role is in your case, so you are not walking in blind
A simple timeline of the court process, from the MIAM to the final hearing, so you know where you are
The different types of Cafcass contact: the safeguarding call, the Section 7 report, home visits and child interviews
What the officer is assessing, including the Welfare Checklist in plain English
How to prepare, from paperwork to mindset, with a printable checklist and notes pages to fill in
What to expect on the day, and the questions you are likely to be asked
How to talk about difficult topics (abuse, conflict, safeguarding concerns) clearly and factually, without becoming overwhelmed
Strong and weak example answers, so you can see the difference and find your own words
Common mistakes parents make, and how to avoid them
How to manage your nervous system before and during the interview, so fear or freeze does not derail you
What to do if your child is interviewed, and how to prepare them without coaching them
If you are worried about allegations being made about you
Protections and support at court, including special measures, adjustments you can ask for and free support
What to do if the report or letter contains inaccuracies, and how to respond
A glossary of the terms you will see in your letters, affirmations for the hard days and a UK support directory

This is not legal advice, and it is not a textbook. It is the pack I wish someone had handed me before my own Cafcass interview: practical, honest, and written by someone who has been in that room.

This information pack relates to England. It is general information, not legal advice, so please take advice on your own situation.