Family Rights Group | Kinship carers’ Forum

Hello I am a grandparent. My my son and I have access to our grandchild every other weekend as per court order. Recently we were told by his mother very suddenly and communicated by text that we could not see him again no explanation and that was that. We were then contacted by social services and my son was arrested and being charged for physical abuse. These allegations are not true and I can’t understand why people would do this? Any advice would be greatly appreciated thank you.

Dear Logical 60

Thank you for your post and welcome to the discussion board. My name is Suzy, I am an online adviser and will be responding to you today. I am sorry to hear of your situation. It must be a stressful time for you and your son.

You and your son have court order contact with your grandchild every other weekend. Recently this was stopped by the child’s mother with no explanation. You were then contacted by children’s services and your son was arrested for allegedly physically abusing your grandchild. You deny the allegations against your son and are seeking advice about your situation.

Children’s services are likely to have advised your grandchild’s mother to stop contact until an assessment is completed. They have no jurisdiction but will encourage a parent to exercise their parental responsibility when there are safeguarding concerns.

Children’s services are likely to be completing a Section 47 child protection enquiry. This type of assessment is mandatory and is undertaken when there are concerns that a child has suffered or is likely to support significant harm.

Your son holds parental responsibility for his child therefore children’s services have a duty to include him in the assessment process. I have added a link HERE to our fathers page for further information and guidance.

I have further added HERE our ‘top tips’ when working with social workers which I hope you find helpful. This sets out guidance, information and suggestions on how to maintain good communications with social workers and what you may wish to consider if things are not going so well.

I hope you find this information helpful. There are many different ways to contact Family Rights Group if you seek further advice in the future regarding children’s services :

• A free telephone advice line open Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 3pm (excluding Bank Holidays) on 0808 801 0366
• Easy-to-follow online information. Features include an A-Z, FAQs, films, ‘top tips’ and legal advice sheets;
• Online forums where families can receive advice, discuss issues, and find support;
• A webchat service where you can message an adviser online, who will help you find information and advice to support you.

Best wishes, Suzie

I am surprised your son was arrested rather than interviewed under caution. There has to be reasonable suspicion that a crime has been or about to committed.

I hope he has a solicitor, and is complying with any police requests or conditions.