I'm not sure if anyone understands how this process works. In 2022, my ex obtained a non-molestation order (NMO) and a child arrangement order (CAO) ex parte against me because I refused to give consent, explaining my reasons to her. She was absent from the hearing as she had travelled with our son. The hearing proceeded well and was straightforward as I was present. A resolution hearing followed in January 2023, where the judge dismissed the NMO after discovering that her allegations were false, even though my ex sought an extension which the judge denied.
A Section 7 report was hastily prepared, containing further inaccuracies. At the June hearing, the judge decided that my 12-year-old son should be interviewed at a neutral location, which would be his school, without either parent's knowledge. However, the Cafcass worker instructed my ex to bring him to their office before this and coached him on what to say. I raised a complaint and mentioned that my ex's sister also works for Cafcass, prompting further investigation. At a subsequent hearing, the judge ordered another Section 7 report and an addendum, reiterating that my son should be interviewed at a neutral location. Cafcass informed me that my son's file had been sealed to restrict access to only the manager and our assigned worker.
I met with the Cafcass worker, who said she would speak to my son at his school. She was puzzled why the previous worker had asked his mother to bring him to the office. However, I recently discovered that she repeated the previous worker's actions by having my ex bring him in, and he was coerced into repeating coached statements. This confirms my initial concerns about her controlling and manipulative behaviour.
What should I do now? Should I just wait for the final hearing in June, or should I file another complaint?
hi,
in the CAFCASS report, what did they state about childs views?
you could raise another complaint, and also raise this at final hearing.
- @bill337 I haven’t seen the new cafcass report still waiting for that but they only spoke to my son yesterday and he told me he was taken to the office by he’s mum. That wasn’t what was discussed. This was my initial concern hence why I requested for an addendum.