How likely is it that proceedings will go my way if the independent social worker is on my side but SS/Guardian aren't?

[221122]

Good Evening.

this is my first post, so please be gentle.

I wont go into all the details.

I have a final hearing in a month or so,

Some background info:

I had 1 DV incident with my ex, she didnt press charges, i admitted to everything in the police interview.
6 months later children got taken off of her and put into care.
Ex made up lots of allegations against me, which the police found to be lies, the judge in the fact finding ruled in my favor,
Eventually got contact with my children after a year.
Contact has been extremely positive.
Initially SS failed my risk assessment, (literally spent 2 hours with me)
Judge felt it was unfair and asked for an independent social worker to do assessment.
Passed assessment, SS wasnt happy, they questioned the integrity of the independent social worker, Judge dismissed their claims and the extra 30 questions they wanted asking.
Ex applied for the judge to be dismissed and a new Judge to be appointed.
new judge appointed.
Passed every drug test for the last 18 months, i had 0.01 nano grams of cannabis in one of my tests, which was due to being with a friend who suffered from epilepsy. Drug lab confirmed what i stated but, They (SS) have been holding that against me ever since. all other tests tested negative.
Every contact session my children say they want to go home with me(recorded by contact workers)they get emotional. Latest care plan ignores there feelings, and says they want to stay with current foster carers long term.
SS state one of my children is scared i will do the same to her that i did to mummy. even tho she has never expressed those concerns in contact. They have tried to make out numerous times that the children are afraid of me, when the contact workers are trained in child psychology and actions, and have not made any notes on the children being afraid.
I have a great support network, but SS aren;t happy with it. they pick faults at me not telling details to the people i've asked them to contact.
the people they contacted stated SS said i have a great support network, but SS claim i dont.
Ex had well over a year to 'coach' the children, previous judge made this clear in her judgement. Ex was warned 3 times to not coach/speak about me whilst in contact. but the children keep repeating what she has drilled into their minds. Which SS now see as truth.
I have never hurt my children or my exes children. i only ever slapped 1 child once.
I have recorded evidence (emails/judgements/reports) of SS/SS manager lying about issues, and generally being awkward, they seem to believe my ex continuously, even tho she has failed numerous psyche evaluations and as previously mentioned, the previous judge basically said she had tried to manipulate everything in her favor. SS have lied and said the children were exposed to sexualized behavior, which was one of the children walking into a room whilst i slapped my ex on the bum. (only me and her were present in the room until the child walked in)


Sorry for being so vague, kinda paranoid that SS/Ex may read this.. lol

My question is, with the independent social worker backing me, and with the above issues... are they serious enough for children to be placed into long term foster care? i have made numerous positive changes in my life.
it just seems to me that SS/Guardian already had their minds made up.

Really appreciate your thoughts and thankyou for reading.

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear 221122

Welcome to the parents’ discussion forum and thanks for your post.

Firstly, let me apologise that due to workload it has not been possible to respond to your post sooner.

From your post, it appears that you are involved in care proceedings relating to your children who are currently in foster care. You say that you have made significant changes and have a positive report from the independent social worker who carried out the assessment of you. Drugs tests have been in the main positive but you are worried about children services (the new name for social services) and the guardian’s position which would have your children staying in long term foster care.

You ought to have a solicitor representing you in the care proceedings and you should discuss your concerns with him or her. I would say, however, that it will be for the judge to make the final decision at the final hearing about the long term care of your children. The Judge will consider all the evidence, that is, what children’s services say in their evidence, the guardian’s reports, contact notes and your own evidence. The judge will also have the benefit of hearing oral evidence from the parties in the case when they can be cross examined.

The judge’s main consideration will be the children’s welfare and his or her decision will be based on this factor and whether children’s services has proved their case for a full care order. The Guardian’s views are important in the case as he or she is there for the children’s welfare but the judge does not have to follow the guardian’s recommendations and can say why it is not being followed if the decision made is for your children to be in your care.

It will be for your legal team to put forward the best case on your behalf to the court so it is important that you engage fully and provide your instructions to your solicitor.

I am including a copy of our advice sheet relating to care proceedings for your informationCare (and related) proceedings You may also find it helpful to read information in our frequently asked questions for fathers here .

Should you wish to speak to an adviser you can telephone our free confidential advice line on 0808 801 0366. The advice line is open from 9.30am to 3pm Monday to Friday.

Hope you find this helpful.

Best wishes

Suzie