Advice on Kinship care

[goldfish]

advice needed my partner and i have been looking after my niece(1 years old) and my nephew(2 years old) since 2nd august 2012 after my neice was found to have non accidental bruiseing which parents have claimed was done by my nephew (we have 4 children of our own and he has caused simular injuries to them and my partner mainly through biting and pinching).
we was recently asked if we could continue caring for them on a permanent basis as kinship carers,due to already having 4 children and living in a 3 bedroom house we had concerns so decided that we could only do this on a tempory basis.this case has been to a finding of fact hearing and the judge gives her verdict on friday 18th jan.
After more serious talks and offers of help from our family members we have changed our minds and now could continue to care for the children on a permenant basis but have been told that this may not be possible due to our original desicison.
we have just discoverd that this is going to panel tomorrow 17th jan.
can anyone help with information as to how we can change our original dession and how to go about this
thanks

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear goldfish,

Welcome to the friends and family forum.

I can see that you have stepped into very difficult circumstances and have cared for your niece and nephew while there have been court proceedings. However, due to your circumstances you made the incredibly difficult decision that you could not offer a permanent home for the children.
Having now got support from your family you have changed your mind and can care for the children long term. However, you are worried that it is now too late and the children may be placed for adoption.
First you have found out that there is an adoption panel taking place today.
It would have been likely, in any event, that the local authority would have considered adoption as a long term option as well. So do not necessarily be too put off by this. I suggest you consider the following:

1. If you have not already done so, I suggest that you email the social worker and copy in the service manger and service manger of the adoption team-explaining why you can now care for the children long term. Explain about the support that you are now getting from your family. Perhaps the local authority could have offered you support with your housing need earlier-did they? (For example, if they wanted you to apply for a special guardianship order they could have assessed you for support services that may have included helping you build an extension to your home or have a loft room put in. Or if you have a council tenancy-they could have helped you approach the housing department for larger accommodation.)


2. It is not clear from your post at what stage the court proceedings have reached. I suggest that with the help of your family, you urgently instruct a children law solicitor (one who is on the “children panel” or is accredited by the law society)
law society-find a solicitor
to consider making an application for you to be joined as a party to the court proceedings so that you can make representations to the court. They could also advise you about other options.

3. Contact the children’s guardian, and mum and dads solicitors and tell them about you being able to care for the children long term.
4. It is possible that Family Rights Group may be able to help you with a letter or email. We now have funding to do some “indirect advocacy”-letters and phone calls to children’s services on behalf of friends and family carers. You could call our advice line on 0808 801 0366 to discuss whether this is an option if you want to. Or call to get detailed advice and support. The advice is free and confidential and is open between 9:30 and 3:30 Monday to Friday.

Goldfish, these are just some pointers-please post back if you need more advice.
Best wishes,
Suzie