Final order made with no provision for contact with the father

Background

The father had an extensive criminal history and was facing further criminal proceedings in the near future. Despite this, he was having regular indirect contact with the child.

When undertaking the section 7 report, the father told Cafcass that he did not believe the child was his and called the child names. Serious concerns were raised throughout the report which led to a recommendation that the father should have no contact with the child and protective measures should be put in place for the mother.

The Hearing

The father did not attend the hearing. Submissions were made that the matter should be concluded at the hearing and the child should not have contact with the father. It was also argued that:

1. A barring order should be made, preventing the father bringing the matter back before the court without prior permission.
2. A prohibited steps order should be made, preventing the father removing the child from the mother’s care.

Both orders were granted, but the court did not stop there. Due to the severity of the concerns, the court used their powers to make a Non-Molestation Order, despite the fact that there was no application.