If you’re at the beginning of childcare proceedings, you might wonder who CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) will speak to first, mum or dad?

The process can feel a bit biased or unsettling, especially if you’re not the parent who made the C100 application, but it’s simply how information gathering begins.

The Usual Order of Contact

CAFCASS typically start by speaking to the applicant—the parent who submitted the C100. They’ll ask about your aims, your proposal for contact, and any concerns you have about the other parent or your child’s welfare. This initial conversation is sometimes called a safeguarding call, where immediate risks or worries are discussed.

Next, CAFCASS speak to the respondent—the other parent—to hear their side, their position on contact, and any concerns or proposals they wish to raise. After both parents have been heard, CAFCASS may also speak to an independent social worker if one is involved in the case.

Gathering Wider Information

CAFCASS don’t just rely on what parents say. To build a full picture, they may:

• Speak to the police if there are safeguarding or criminal concerns.

• Contact social services if the family has had previous involvement or if there are welfare issues.

• Sometimes reach out to the child’s school to understand how the child is coping and to gather information about their wellbeing.

This helps CAFCASS provide the court with a balanced, evidence-based view of the family’s situation. Their view is just one piece of the puzzle—judges consider a wide range of evidence, including police records, social services reports, school feedback, and your own submissions. The court’s decision is never based solely on what CAFCASS say.

What Should Parents Do?

• Be honest and open when speaking to CAFCASS.

• Share your concerns and proposals clearly.

• Cooperate with requests for information or meetings.

• Focus on answering the questions asked, rather than rambling or discussing unrelated issues. If an allegation is important, CAFCASS will ask about it.

In Summary

CAFCASS usually speak first to the parent who started the proceedings, then to the other parent, and then gather information from other agencies as needed. Their role is to help the court understand the family’s history and current situation, so decisions can be made in the child’s best interests. CAFCASS are a third-party observer, not a decision-maker.

If you have questions about the process or want to know what to expect, you can ask for more details or upload documents for further explanation.