The form for disclosing safeguarding concerns in a Children Act 1989 application — domestic abuse, child abuse, substance misuse, or other risk of harm.

When must C1A be filed?

Whenever allegations of harm or risk of harm are raised in a children application. Submitted with C100 or C2.

Does C1A trigger a fact-finding hearing?

Often. Where disputed allegations are material to the welfare decision, the court may order a fact-finding hearing to determine whether the allegations are proved on the balance of probabilities.

Can I raise C1A concerns without proof?

Yes — allegations at C1A stage are not proved; they are raised. But unsupported or exaggerated allegations damage credibility and can backfire.

What is a Scott Schedule?

A table listing each allegation with dates, descriptions, supporting evidence, and the respondent's position. Often ordered by the court for fact-finding hearings.

Form C1A — Allegations of Harm 2026 Guide

C1A is the safeguarding form — the document that places concerns about a child’s welfare on the court’s record. It must be completed carefully. Missing genuine concerns leaves a child unprotected. Inflating them damages the applicant’s credibility and can reduce the contact the court orders.

When C1A is required

When a Children Act application is issued and any of the following apply:

Domestic abuse by the other parent (physical, emotional, coercive, controlling)
Child abuse (physical, emotional, sexual, neglect)
Substance misuse affecting parenting capacity
Mental ill-health posing risk
Abduction risk or immigration risk
Any other risk of harm

Structure of C1A

Each concern described separately
Dates and specific incidents where possible
Supporting evidence — police reports, medical records, witness statements
Impact on the child observed
What protection is being sought

The tone

Fact-based. Dated. Exhibit-referenced. Not emotive. Not accusatory. Chris drafts C1A in cold merit style because the Family Judge’s bullshit extractor detects overstatement instantly.

Let Chris draft this for you

Upload the facts. Chris drafts a child-focused, court-respectful document — no raised voices, no accusations, no inflammatory language. The judge reads what helps the child. That is what Chris writes.

Start — £30 Pro £88 for whole case →

Fact-finding hearings

Where material allegations are disputed, the court may list a fact-finding hearing under Practice Direction 12J. The judge determines which allegations are proved on the balance of probabilities. A Scott Schedule is typically ordered — Chris drafts this too.

Practice Direction 12J

The court’s framework for cases involving domestic abuse. The judge must consider:

Whether the alleged behaviour amounts to domestic abuse
The effect on the child
Whether fact-finding is necessary and proportionate
How contact, if any, should be structured

Participation directions

Where C1A raises abuse, the victim can request:

Separate waiting areas
Screens or remote attendance at hearings
No direct cross-examination by the alleged abuser (s.31R Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984 — court appoints qualified legal representative for cross-examination)

Can Chris draft C1A and the evidence package?

Yes. Tell Chris the concerns. Upload police reports, medical records, correspondence, any non-molestation order. Chris drafts C1A with concerns anchored to evidence, a supporting witness statement, a Scott Schedule if fact-finding is directed, and participation direction requests. Pro £88 for contested cases — welfare-checklist position statements throughout.

Prepare to win. Plan not to fail.

Safeguarding is the most serious thing the Family Court does. Draft it like it matters — because it does.