Supervised contact

[Terrifiedparent]

Hi, is there a certain amount of time that CS can refuse contact between child and parent when on a CIN due to iioc?
I've told them I want there to be contact but they are refusing without reason.

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear Terrifiedparent,

Thankyou for your post.

Each family’s situation is treated on an individual basis and as such there is no specific amount of time that children’s services can recommend that there is no contact between a child and their parent.

You say that your child is on a child in need plan. Therefore children’s services cannot ‘refuse contact’ between your child and their parent; they can only make recommendations about contact. It is up to the parent(s) who have parental responsibility to make the final decisions about contact between their child and any adult. However it is important to understand that if children’s services feel that the child is put at risk of harm by having contact with a parent then they may escalate their involvement up to the child protection process, or possibly to the pre-proceedings process. It is important that you have discussions with the social worker and team manager if you are considering going against their recommendations so that you understand what the possible consequences could be. Whatever you decide it is crucial that you are open and honest with the social worker and that you ensure that your child is safeguarded from harm. You can see our website HERE for more information about children’s services involvement when there is concern that a child is at risk from sexual abuse.

I hope that this is of some help. Please post again if you would like any further advice or you can call our free confidential helpline on 0808 801 0366 (Monday to Friday, 9:30am – 3pm) to speak with an adviser.

Best wishes,
Suzie