What do our section 7 reports include?
A Section 7 Report is required in cases where parents’ divorce or separate and are unable to decide between themselves which parent the child should live with, or how much time the child should spend with the non-resident parent. The Court will therefore determine where the child will live (a Residence Order) and how contact will look (a Contact Order).
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The main aim of these reports is for someone independent to consider the child’s wishes and feelings and determine what would be in their best interests in such matters.
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Our Section 7 Reports provide an independent evaluation and assessment of a situation and prepares a report for the court, according to instructions from the court. The Section 7 Report contains background information and the key facts and evidence that the child’s needs have been considered in accordance with the Welfare Checklist. Further, our reports:
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Collates all the available evidence and information about the child’s situation;
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Sets out all information in the form of a comprehensive report;
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Advises the Court of the child’s wishes and feelings;
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Details what the Social Worker considers to be in the best interest of the child.
What else is included?
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The home conditions and suitability of the accommodation of the parents we are completing the report on;
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Concerns of parents with regard to each other;
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Whether or not it appears that a child would suffer significant harm;
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Any previous involvement with Children services and recommended involvement from Children Social Services, as necessary.
What is our Section 7 Reports process?
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After receipt of the court order, if the family are known to Children Services, we will need to review the records held;
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An home visit is completed within 7 working days of allocation being accepted if located in Jamaica, or 10 -12 working days if in another location;
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We will meet with professionals involved with the family, as required, to gain further understanding of the current circumstances.
Timescales​
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All section 7 reports are completed within 12 weeks
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Accelerated assessments can be completed within 8 weeks for an additional fee.
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SECTION 7 REPORTS