73.—(1) In proceedings to which Part 5 applies, where the court is considering an application for an order in proceedings the court may ask a children and family reporter to prepare a report on matters relating to the welfare of the child.
(2) It is the duty of a children and family reporter to—
(a)comply with any request for a report under this rule; and
(b)provide the court with such other assistance as it may require.
(3) Any report to the court under this rule will be confidential.
74.—(1) The children and family reporter must make such investigations as may be necessary for him to perform his powers and duties and must, in particular—
(a)contact or seek to interview such persons as he thinks appropriate or as the court directs; and
(b)obtain such professional assistance as is available to him which he thinks appropriate or which the court directs him to obtain.
(2) The children and family reporter must—
(a)notify the child of such contents of his report (if any) as he considers appropriate to the age and understanding of the child, including any reference to the child’s own views on the application and his recommendation; and
(b)if he does notify the child of any contents of his report, explain them to the child in a manner appropriate to his age and understanding.
(3) The children and family reporter must—
(a)attend all directions hearings unless the court directs otherwise;
(b)advise the court of the child’s wishes and feelings;
(c)advise the court if he considers that the joining of a person as a party to the proceedings would be likely to safeguard the interests of the child;
(d)consider whether it is in the best interests of the child for the child to be made a party to the proceedings, and if so, notify the court of his opinion together with the reasons for that opinion; and
(e)where the court has directed that a written report be made, file the report in accordance with the timetable set by the court.