a child is not automatically a party to the proceedings and will be represented by a guardian ad litem unless the court considers it necessary. if a guardian is appointed but the children and the guardian do not agree on what recommendations to make to the court and the children are of sufficient age and understanding, they will be able to instruct a solicitor directly to represent their views and the guardian will present an independent view to the court. whether or not a guardian is appointed, the court can request a welfare report under section 7 of the children act 1989, either from the local authority where the child currently resides or from a children and family reporter who is an officer appointed by cafcass. the report will usually inform the court of the child's wishes and feelings, but the officer will recommend what he or she thinks is in the child's best interests in the circumstances of the case rather than just advocate the child's wishes.