Intentionally homeless

[Countrymum]

Hi, we may be deemed as intentionally homeless for deterioration of the property:(
Council will no longer have a duty to help us and we are referred to social services I'm told that with this our children could be removed I'm beyond terrified

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear Countrymum

Welcome to Family Rights Group parents’ discussion forum and thank you for posting.

My name is Suzie, online adviser at Family Rights Group and I will respond to your post.

I am sorry to see from your post that due to the state of your home you may be deemed intentionally homeless. Unfortunately, the information you have shared is not enough to give you meaningful advice. Is your home privately rented or social housing? You say the home has deteriorated but not how this came about or what attempts if any you have made to remedy the situation.

You are concerned that your family has now been referred to children’s services (the new name for social services) and you are now worried that your children may be removed from your care because of children’s services involvement. Children’s services would look at and assess your circumstances as it related to your children and their wellbeing. Their role is to ensure that children are living in an environment where they are safe and not at risk of any harm, this could be due to neglect, physical or emotional harm.

I understand that you feel terrified about the circumstances, but it is also important that you think about the changes you can make to improve the situation. You may wish to read about the procedures children’s services follow when they receive a referral. There is information from our website HERE . Children’s services are likely to carry out an assessment of your situation to identify what support the family may need or if the situation is such that a plan either child in need or child protection is needed to keep the children safe by offering support. The main aim is not to remove children as stated above.

You may find it useful to contact Shelter 0808 800 4444 for advice about your housing situation.

It might help you to speak with one of our experienced advisers about your situation and you do so by telephoning our free confidential advice line on 0808 801 0366. The advice line is open from 9.30am to 3.00pm Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays).

Hope this is helpful to you.

Best wishes

Suzie