What is a Child Arrangements Order?
A Child Arrangements Order (CAO) is a legal order made by the family court in England and Wales that sets out:
Who the child lives with (residence)
Who the child spends time with or has contact with (contact)
When and how contact takes place
Why are they sought?
Child Arrangements Orders are usually sought when parents or guardians cannot agree on living or contact arrangements after separation or divorce. They ensure the child’s welfare is protected and provide a clear, legally binding structure for parenting responsibilities.
The court’s primary focus is always the child’s best interests.
Child Focussed
As a dedicated McKenzie Friend, I provide practical and emotional support to parents and carers navigating the family court system—always with a firm focus on the well-being and best interests of the child.
Family disputes can be emotionally charged and complex, especially when children are involved. My role is to help you stay focused, organised, and confident, while ensuring that the child’s safety, stability, and needs remain the priority throughout the process.
With experience in a range of family court matters—particularly child arrangements, contact, residency, and safeguarding concerns—I offer calm, compassionate, and cost-effective support tailored to your situation.
My approach is guided by:
A strong belief that children thrive when decisions are child-centred and non-confrontational
A commitment to helping parents reduce conflict and promote cooperative solutions where possible
Clear, empathetic guidance to help you represent yourself effectively and respectfully in court
Whether you're seeking a parenting plan, facing a contact dispute, or responding to an urgent issue, I’m here to assist you in presenting your case clearly—while keeping your child’s future and well-being front and centre.
Affordable support. Focused on solutions. Committed to your child’s best interests.
Who are CAFCASS and what is their role?
The Role of CAFCASS During a Child Arrangements Order
CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) plays a crucial role in helping the family court make decisions that are in the best interests of the child during Child Arrangements Order proceedings.
🔹 What CAFCASS Does:
Safeguarding Checks:
Before the first hearing, CAFCASS conducts background checks with the police and social services to identify any risks to the child’s welfare (e.g. domestic abuse, neglect, or criminal activity).
Initial Telephone Interview:
A Family Court Advisor (FCA) may speak to each parent to understand concerns, the child’s needs, and any risks or conflicts.
Safeguarding Letter:
CAFCASS submits a brief report to the court summarising any concerns or recommendations before the first hearing.
Section 7 Report (if ordered by the court):
If further assessment is needed, CAFCASS may be asked to prepare a more detailed report (under Section 7 of the Children Act 1989) which includes:
Interviews with both parents and the child (depending on age)
Observation of how the child interacts with each parent
Recommendations on living and contact arrangements
Voice of the Child:
CAFCASS helps ensure that the child’s wishes and feelings are heard, appropriate to their age and understanding.
🔹 Why CAFCASS Is Important:
They provide independent, child-focused advice to the court
Help identify and assess any safeguarding risks
Ensure that any order made supports the child’s safety, emotional well-being, and development
CAFCASS does not take sides—they act solely in the interests of the child, and their input often carries significant weight in the court's decision-making process.
Supporting your child through the court process
1. Keep the Child Out of Conflict
Avoid arguments in front of them or using them as messengers.
Shield them from legal stress or adult conversations about the case.
Reassure them that the issue is between adults and not their fault.
2. Reassure and Maintain Stability
Children need routine and predictability.
Emphasise that both parents love them and will continue to be part of their lives (where safe and appropriate).
Keep their daily life—school, friends, hobbies—as consistent as possible.
3. Listen to Their Feelings
Let them express emotions without judgment.
Use age-appropriate language to talk about changes.
Validate their concerns: “It’s okay to feel confused or upset.”
4. Respect Their Developmental Needs
Young Children (0–5 years):
Provide lots of physical reassurance and simple explanations.
Stick to routines and offer familiar comfort items.
Primary-Age Children (6–11 years):
Be clear and honest in simple terms.
Answer questions honestly but without oversharing.
Let them talk openly but avoid burdening them with decisions.
Teenagers (12+ years):
Involve them in conversations if appropriate.
Respect their opinions and growing independence.
Encourage healthy coping strategies (journaling, sport, talking to a trusted adult).
5. Promote Positive Relationships (if safe)
Encourage safe, healthy contact with both parents.
Avoid negative talk about the other parent—children need to feel free to love both.
6. Work with Professionals
Cooperate with CAFCASS or social workers and explain their role to your child in a calm, reassuring way.
Consider child counselling or school support if your child is struggling emotionally.
7. Be Patient
Children process change at different rates.
Check in regularly and be ready to adjust based on how they’re coping.
Above All: Focus on the Child’s Best Interests
Children do best when parents:
Prioritise their emotional and physical safety
Make decisions calmly and cooperatively
Support their right to love and spend time with both parents (if safe)
Above all else, ensure your child's wellbeing remains the number one priority.