Cafcass Safeguarding Checks: What Happens After You File a C100?
After you issue a C100 application in private children proceedings, Cafcass automatically carries out safeguarding checks before the first hearing. These checks involve police and local authority enquiries, along with a telephone call to each parent. The outcome is a short safeguarding letter sent to the court before the FHDRA. Many litigants in person underestimate the importance of this early stage. The safeguarding letter can influence interim contact arrangements, supervision decisions, and whether a fact-finding hearing is listed. If domestic abuse is raised, Practice Direction 12J requires the court to assess risk and its impact on the child. This guide explains what safeguarding checks involve, how to prepare for the Cafcass call, and how to respond if inaccuracies arise. Early preparation strengthens credibility and helps ensure the court focuses properly on child welfare and risk.
Cafcass Safeguarding Checks: What Happens After You File a C100?
Key takeaways for litigants in person
- Safeguarding checks happen automatically after a private law children application is issued.
- Cafcass will usually contact both parents before the first hearing.
- Police and local authority checks are carried out.
- The safeguarding letter is sent to the court before the FHDRA.
- If domestic abuse is raised, the court must consider Practice Direction 12J.
What Are Cafcass Safeguarding Checks?
When an application for a Child Arrangements Order is made under section 8 of the Children Act 1989, Cafcass is notified.
As part of the Child Arrangements Programme under Practice Direction 12B, Cafcass conducts safeguarding enquiries before the first hearing (usually the FHDRA).
These checks are not a full investigation. They are an initial risk screening process.
What Do Safeguarding Checks Involve?
- Police national computer checks
- Local authority social services checks
- Telephone interviews with each parent
- Review of any allegations raised in the C1A (if filed)
Cafcass then prepares a short safeguarding letter for the court summarising any concerns and making interim recommendations.
The Safeguarding Telephone Call
Cafcass will usually contact each parent by phone before the first hearing. This is not a cross-examination.
The officer may ask about:
- Current child arrangements
- Allegations of domestic abuse
- Police involvement
- Child welfare concerns
- Willingness to mediate
Important
This conversation can influence interim recommendations. Remain calm, child-focused and factual.
What Is a Safeguarding Letter?
The safeguarding letter is a short document sent to the court before the first hearing.
It typically includes:
- Summary of police information
- Summary of local authority involvement
- Brief outline of each parent’s position
- Any immediate safeguarding concerns
- Recommendations for interim arrangements
It is not a full Section 7 report.
Domestic Abuse and Safeguarding
Where domestic abuse is alleged, the court must apply the safeguarding framework in Practice Direction 12J.
The safeguarding letter may influence whether:
- Interim contact is ordered
- Supervision is required
- A fact-finding hearing is listed
- A Section 7 report is directed
Common Concerns from Litigants in Person
- “Cafcass didn’t listen to me.”
- “They summarised incorrectly.”
- “They minimised the abuse.”
- “They made assumptions about my parenting.”
Safeguarding letters are brief and sometimes incomplete. If inaccuracies arise, they should be addressed calmly at the first hearing.
How to Prepare for Safeguarding Checks
- Review your C100 and C1A before the call.
- Keep answers concise and factual.
- Link concerns to the child’s welfare.
- Avoid adult-focused grievances.
- Have dates and evidence references ready.
Strategic mindset
Safeguarding checks are about immediate risk, not proving your entire case. Focus on what the court needs to know before interim decisions are made.
What Happens After Safeguarding?
At the FHDRA, the court considers:
- The safeguarding letter
- Any C1A allegations
- Interim arrangements
- Whether further investigation is required
The court may order:
- A Section 7 report
- A fact-finding hearing
- Interim contact arrangements
- Further directions
Book a 15-minute consultation (phone)
If you have received a safeguarding letter and are unsure how to respond, or you want help preparing for your FHDRA, you can book a 15-minute consultation below:
Clarity reduces anxiety. Structure improves credibility. Preparation strengthens your position.
