We all need some protection, especially from these heavily biased reports.
Has anyone recorded their interview before or even used it as evidence to overturn a report?
Hi,
I have sat through 2 Section 7 interviews with Cafcass. recording never crossed my mind. I wouldn't recommend it. in the interviews they never would tell me what kind of contact arrangements they are going to recommend. they gave generic responses like "I don't see any problems with this", or "that sounds reasonable". Also if you did record it and want to rely on it later, it's possible the courts may not be interested and refuse to accept it.
This is Cafcass stance on recordings:
- Can I record my interview with Cafcass?
There should be no need to record an interview with Cafcass but if you tell the Family Court Adviser (FCA) that is what you intend to do then this will be referred to in the report and they may ask you to provide a copy of the recording if you intend to send it to the court. A copy would also have to be provide to the other party.
Interviews will contain information confidential to the court, and the FCA may ask the court to make an order about how any recording can be kept confidential if they are worried about it being disclosed – for example, if the recording is posted on social media or shared with people who are not entitled to have access to it.
I’ve seen a lot of people wish they had recorded it because the report won’t always reflect the conversation.
I’ve also heard stories of them going back on their word and making it extremely biased towards the Mother with ridiculous recommendations.