Inform Course with LF

[May12345]

Hello again awaiting advice from my solicitor so thought I'd ask you all what you think.

You may remember the Inform Course with Lucy Faithfull charity was recommended for me by the Forensic Psychologist who 'assessed' my 'protectiveness'. He made various assumptions and opinions about us both but wrongly said I don't expect my husband to reoffend and therefore cannot be deemed protective to supervise at present etc etc.

I self referred for the Inform Course the day after receiving the report and it looks really good. I was then told by LF that because it was a recommendation I had to ask my SW to refer me and this would include a report and any necessary intervention. We have been told again and again by CS that this case is very unique and that we are now in the PLO process to be able to fund assessments and courses. I finally thought Yes now a specialist independent agency can see that I am protective and when I'm reviewed with this Psychologist again he can take that I to account. Fast forward to this week LF lady rang regarding the course and said it would involve the Inform Course plus a brief but of writing to say I'd attended the course etc. I told her I was confused as I'd been told previously that it would be with a report and intervention because it was recommended by the Psychologist (he didn't mention a report or recommendation....) I think she understood what I was saying and said she'd speak to our SW and get back to me.

He rang me the same day and said that it will be the course only and his manager hadn't said I'd need the report or intervention. I told him I'm not happy because it's about TIME I was given a chance to evidence my ability to protect. I feel they are being very underhand to stay in control. If I got a good report from LF this would give us more say if it ever went to court etc but they aren't giving me this chance. I also can't pay for the assessment as they only accept referrals from the LA regardless of who pays!

Am I over worrying and getting my knickers in a twist for no reason? What rights do you suppose I have regarding this?

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear May12345

Thank you for this post from what you have written you are not over-worrying, you are seeking clarity.

You said that you had a psychological assessment an outcome of which was that you ‘do not expect your husband to reoffend again’. Following this you self-referred to the Lucy Faithfull course and was told that you need a referral from the SW in order to be accepted for the course: your expectation was that you would go on the course and get evidence (in a written form) proving that you could safeguard your children. You said that the SW said that you could undertake the course but there would be no report or intervention?

Perhaps you should ask the social worker what steps he and his manager expect you complete after you have taken the course which will help you to (a) prevent you from going into the court process and (b) prove that you can safeguard your children and (c) in what timeframe.

I suggest that you also look again at the pre-proceedings information because as you say the local authority are in that stage to prevent the matter going further, perhaps your solicitor can ask them for clarity too.

Do call us on our confidential helpline if you would like to discuss your situation with one of our advisers. We are open Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 3.00pm on 0808 801 0366.

Best wishes

Suzie