The Pathfinder scheme launched in Birmingham on 28 May 2024 and with it came a fundamental change to Cafcass’ investigative and reporting role within private children law proceedings.

Before Pathfinder, Cafcass would often prepare two reports – an initial safeguarding letter before the first hearing and if appropriate and ordered by the court, a section 7 report which was a more detailed assessment of the family. The proceedings would be adjourned for up to 12 weeks for Cafcass to prepare this report.

Pathfinder replaces the safeguarding letter and section 7 report with one Child Impact Report (CIR). This is often directed in the first order after issue of the C100 application and Cafcass have 40 days to prepare it. The CIR is split into two parts. CIR part 1 is the main report which is completed first and will do the following:

• Set out basic information about the family and include a photograph of the child(ren) if parents wish
• Include the voice of the child(ren) – Cafcass will conduct a home visit and use various forms of communication depending on the child(ren)’s age. Cafcass will also look at the child(rens)’ presentation, environment and how they interacted with others during their Cafcass’ visit
• Collate information from different sources, including schools, health agencies and wider family members
• Specify interventions already undertaken with the family and the outcome of these
• Pull together a child impact analysis from all the information available to them and what this means for the family
• Provide recommendations for the child(ren) moving forward and include the child(ren)’s views of these.

As the parties and the court have all this information available to them at the outset, the idea is that it will make for a far more effective first hearing, where the proceedings may conclude. It does not mean however that this information cannot be added to, as the court can order a part 2 report if anything has changed for the child or more information is now available since the part 1 report was conducted. Cafcass will then analyse the information in its entirety and make informed recommendations.

If you would like any further information or advice in relation to divorce proceedings, financial remedy proceedings or family court proceedings, please contact our specialist family lawyers based in Wolverhampton, Cradley Heath and Sutton Coldfield. We serve clients across the West Midlands and Birmingham.  You can call 01902 328 355 to speak to one of our family lawyers.