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Hello all
I have got CAFCASS coming to ny home soon as part of a section 7 report. My daughter is 1yr old and has never been to my home due to problems with mother etc.
Can anyone tell me what to expect from the visit and what CAFCASS wil want to see in my home and hear?
Thanks all
I had my visit last May and in September I was awarded alternate weekend and 1st half of school holidays (as recommended in the S7 report)
My experience was really good. The officer had already been to my ex and also spoken to my son.
During the visit we had a good chat about the difficulties I was having with my ex and what access I enjoyed before access became difficult etc.
They are just trying to build up a picture of what you are like, where you live and to discuss the allegations/concerns raised in the initial interview that warranted a S7 report. They don't really want to hear you criticising your Ex for an hour, so if you have any just highlight some of them, and then focus on what you want and what you can offer your child.
It is also good to have some photos of you and your child on display if you have any. This helped me as it showed some recent days out where it was clear my son was enjoying himself. As your child is so young I would also talk about what involvement/access you are looking for now, medium-term (toddler) and long-term.
Best wishes and good luck as I know it is difficult going through this process.
I had my visit last May and in September I was awarded alternate weekend and 1st half of school holidays (as recommended in the S7 report)
My experience was really good. The officer had already been to my ex and also spoken to my son.
During the visit we had a good chat about the difficulties I was having with my ex and what access I enjoyed before access became difficult etc.
They are just trying to build up a picture of what you are like, where you live and to discuss the allegations/concerns raised in the initial interview that warranted a S7 report. They don't really want to hear you criticising your Ex for an hour, so if you have any just highlight some of them, and then focus on what you want and what you can offer your child.It is also good to have some photos of you and your child on display if you have any. This helped me as it showed some recent days out where it was clear my son was enjoying himself. As your child is so young I would also talk about what involvement/access you are looking for now, medium-term (toddler) and long-term.
Best wishes and good luck as I know it is difficult going through this process.
Thanks mate
Glad you got a good outcome
Hi there
Go round your home and think about safety measures that you need to put in place to protect her, things like plug caps to stop little fingers from poking them, a safety gate at the bottom of stairs, or across the kitchen.
Your home should be clean and tidy and if you are asking for overnight stays then you could prepare the room she will sleep in, a cot with rails so that she can't fall, nice bedding and some toys for her. If she has her own room, you could decorate it.
If you prepare your home for your little one, the CAFCASS officer will see that you have put thought and effort into making your home child friendly.
Just be yourself and stay completely child focused, if the mother has made allegations the best way to tackle that is to show by your actions that you are a caring father... rise above making counter accusations and just express your wish that at some point you and the mother can put the past behind and work together in the best interests of your child.
Best of luck
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