Welfare concerns for children

[MCK33]

Hi all. New to the group so sorry for the long post.
My ex partner and I have a child arrangements order in place. I have had to withdraw contact due to welfare concerns of the children (father and his wife intoxicated at each contact- eldest has disclosed this and says he feels unsafe. Possible drug use- has a history of class A drugs)
Father has admitted to drink driving with the children in the car but minimised it by saying “it was only a large glass of wine” children are being exposed to drunken and aggressive rows between Father and his wife and children have disclosed wife is bullying them (Shouting, swearing at them. Telling them they aren’t welcome there) I have expressed to Father the children are unwilling to attend contact as they feel unsafe but would like to see him alone- he is refusing to do this and hasn’t seen them for 6 weeks. He is telling me he will take it back to court to enforce the order.
Father has plead guilty to multiple counts of GBH and is due in court in 11 days time for possible sentencing.
This was carried out on a holiday Infront of the children that live with him (and would’ve been committed Infront of my children had I have allowed them to attend the holiday) he was intoxicated at the time. I am aware I am in contempt of the court order but have withdrawn unsupervised contact due to my concerns. Do I apply to the court to vary the order now or wait until his court outcome and do it then? (I am aware it will take a while with court for child arrangements order) I just want to make sure I’m taking the correct steps.

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear MCK33

Thank you for your post, I apologise for the delay in responding.

We have an advice sheet about Child Arrangements Orders, it is written for carers but can apply to parents too.

The situation you describe sounds like private law proceedings (we advise in public law proceedings), a good place to seek advice is Child Law Advice and/or Advice Now.

I hope this helps.

Best wishes

Suzie