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A new pilot programme for private law child arrangement cases was launched in Birmingham in 2024; it is due to be extended into Wolverhampton, Stoke and other areas within the Midlands in November 2025.
Pathfinder aims to improve the Court experience and outcomes for children and parents.
One of the key changes is in respect of the role Cafcass play in matters. Previously, Cafcass would prepare an initial safeguarding letter after a phone call with each parent. Their safeguarding letter would consider if there are any safeguarding concerns and would give recommendations as to next steps and confirm whether Cafcass need any further involvement or not. If there were safeguarding concerns, Cafcass may recommend for a more detailed Section 7 report to be prepared.
Instead, within the Pathfinder programme, Cafcass prepare a more in depth Child Impact Report at the outset of matters. This will be ordered when the Court issue the C100 application.
The Child Impact Report will:
- Set out basic information about the family
- 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.
Parties and the Court then have this information available at the outset of a matter. The intention being to help to improve the chances of a far more effective first hearing, and to potentially improve the possibility of final orders being made, if appropriate.
If you would like any further information or advice in relation to child arrangement 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 328 365 to speak to one of our family lawyers.