The Pathfinder Scheme is one of the biggest shake-ups in private family law in years – and it’s already changing how courts handle domestic abuse allegations, risk assessments, and decision-making about child contact. If you’re a dad navigating child arrangements, it’s essential you understand how this new process works – and how to prepare for it.
Jump to:
- What Is the Pathfinder Scheme?
- Where Is Pathfinder Being Used?
- How Might It Affect Dads?
- What Dads Should Do Next
- What Role Do Domestic Abuse Agencies Play?
- Are There Concerns About Impartiality in Pathfinder Cases?
- How We Can Help
- FAQs About the Pathfinder Scheme
What Is the Pathfinder Scheme?
The Pathfinder Pilot Scheme is a new approach being trialled in family courts across areas like Dorset, North Wales, Birmingham, South East Wales, and most recently, West Yorkshire. It replaces the old ‘litigant-led’ model – where parents make competing arguments in court – with a more investigative, joined-up process led by the court and Cafcass.
The aim is to reduce delays, prioritise child welfare, and resolve private law disputes (like Child Arrangements Orders) earlier by gathering more information upfront. This includes:
- A detailed Child Impact Report before the first hearing – this is different from a section 7 report.
- Involvement from Cafcass and social services earlier in the process
- Closer working with domestic abuse agencies when there are safeguarding concerns
This means the court will have key information from Cafcass before the first hearing – including the Child Impact Report. While that report shapes how the case begins, the court shouldn’t make any formal decisions until at least the first hearing.
👉 If you’re new to this process, start with our beginner’s guide to the Child Arrangements Order or explore our full services for dads navigating family court.
Where Is Pathfinder Being Used?
As of 2025, the Pathfinder model is active in select family courts across:
- North Wales
- South East Wales
- Dorset
- Birmingham
- West Yorkshire
- Liverpool and Wirral
- The North East
The rollout is expanding – so even if you’re not in these areas yet, you could be soon.
How Might It Affect Dads?
Many dads welcome quicker decisions and less delay – but Pathfinder brings new risks if you don’t prepare early. Since the initial safeguarding work happens before the first hearing, your voice needs to be clear and compelling from day one.
Here’s where some dads get caught out:
- Unprepared for the Cafcass call – This first interaction often shapes the entire case
- Overwhelmed by paperwork – You may be asked to respond to allegations within days
- Assuming it’s still a back-and-forth court battle – It’s not. The judge is expected to take a child-focused, investigative approach from the outset
If you’re not sure how to prepare for that first call, or what to include in your position statement, now’s the time to act.
👉 Learn what to expect in your Cafcass safeguarding call – and how to prepare your responses with clarity.
👉 Need help writing your first submission? Our Position Statement support gives you clear structure, language, and strategy.
What To Do Next:
If your case is part of the Pathfinder pilot, time is short and clarity matters. Here’s how to stay one step ahead:
- Prepare for your Cafcass call early – don’t wing it
- Get professional support drafting your Position Statement
- Begin gathering relevant, child-focused information (e.g. handover messages or school letters) – but only if appropriate to your case stage. If no formal allegations have been made yet, you may not need this right away.
- Stay calm, polite, and child-focused in all communications
- Don’t go it alone – early help can shape the entire case
What Role Do Domestic Abuse Agencies Play?
In Pathfinder cases where there are safeguarding concerns or allegations of abuse, domestic abuse agencies are often brought in immediately. This can feel overwhelming – especially if the allegations are disputed or you feel the process is one-sided.
Here’s what to expect:
- Your case may be referred for risk assessment by an IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Adviser)
- The court may rely on feedback from these agencies about your child’s engagement and welfare
- Fact-finding hearings are becoming rarer, as Pathfinder aims to resolve concerns earlier
This doesn’t mean your voice doesn’t matter – but it does mean you must respond with clarity, child-focus, and strategy from the outset.
👉 Want to resolve things without escalation? Our family mediation service could help you avoid court entirely.
Are There Concerns About Impartiality in Pathfinder Cases?
While Pathfinder aims to create a more child-focused, non-adversarial process, its strong emphasis on domestic abuse agencies introduces important considerations for fathers – especially where allegations are disputed.
Here’s what some dads have raised concerns about:
🧭 Perceived Lack of Impartiality
Domestic abuse specialists are often advocates for survivors. Their feedback may carry significant weight in early decisions, yet fathers often feel their own voice isn’t heard equally – especially when agencies rely heavily on one party’s account.
💷 Concerns Around Funding Models
These agencies are often funded by government grants and contracts from Cafcass. While this funding is vital, it can create a perception – fair or not – that there’s an incentive to maintain active caseloads, which may affect neutrality.
⏱️ Front-Loaded Judgement
Pathfinder compresses the timeline. Reports and risk assessments are often completed before a father has even attended court. This early work can shape outcomes quickly, which means your first impression must be strategic and child-focused.
👉 If you’re facing allegations or concerned about impartiality, our Position Statement support and Cafcass preparation services can help you set the record straight early.
How We Can Help
At Dads’ Consultancy, we’ve written the very reports now being used in Pathfinder courts. Our founder, Lach, used to work within CAFCASS and Children’s Services. He’s conducted safeguarding calls, written Section 7 reports, and advised other professionals – which means we know exactly how this new process works.
Whether you need help understanding the Child Impact Report, responding to allegations, or preparing for court under Pathfinder, we can support you step-by-step – without the legal jargon or spiralling solicitor fees.
We offer fixed-fee, legally smart support – from the first phone call to the final hearing.
👉 If you’ve been told a Section 7 is coming, don’t wait – see how we help dads prepare for CAFCASS Section 7 reports so your parenting strengths are heard.
FAQs About the Pathfinder Scheme
What is the Cafcass Pathfinder Pilot?
It’s a new process used in some family courts to gather information earlier and resolve cases more quickly, especially where there are safeguarding concerns.
What is a Child Impact Report?
A report prepared by Cafcass or Children’s Services that outlines the child’s wishes, feelings, and welfare needs – often before the first court hearing.
How does Pathfinder affect fact-finding hearings?
They’re becoming less common. The aim is to front-load the process so fewer contested hearings are needed.
Is Pathfinder fair to fathers?
It depends. The system is designed to be child-centred – but if you’re not fully prepared, your perspective may be missed. That’s why early support is essential.
🧠 Insider Insight: Lach, our founder, is a qualified social worker who used to write Section 7 reports for CAFCASS — the very reports that influence court outcomes. Now he helps dads respond to them. Learn more about Lach’s background.
👉 Learn more about how we can support you or book a free consultation today.
