Urgent Help and advice - Parnter convictions/ sex register

[MLU22]

Hi All!

I really just need some advice and help please. My partner has been in jail for rape on his ex-partner (this was false accusations, and he was cleared on another 5 charges she placed against him) and has nothing to do with children.

I am now 19 weeks pregnant, and his probation needs to refer us to social services. I have never been in such a happy stable safe relationship. We rent our own house, we are both full time employed, everything is perfect however due to his conviction we have been referred.

I am just looking really for any advice if anyone has been through a similar situation. I am terrified that social services will try make him move out the home i know there is only the conviction they can go off and nothing else as we are both perfect no drugs no drinking etc.

The only other issue is my family do not know about his convictions - will social services tell them/ do they not have a right to keep this confidential and private as this would just cause so much trouble.

So really my questions are
1 - pre birth assessment anyone in a similar situation and were cleared and said everything would be ok
2 - disclosure - i dont see the need in my family knowing or needing ot be informed however will they?

Thank you

[Toughlife]

Please pm me

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear MLU22

Welcome to the parents’ discussion forum.
My name is Suzie, online adviser, at Family Rights Group.

I see from your post that you are concerned about children’s services becoming involved with you and your unborn baby and partner. Your partner was convicted of rape and served a prison sentence. As you are now pregnant a referral has been made to children’s services by his probation officer. You do not mention in your post whether your partner is on the sex offenders register or if there are any restrictions placed on him because of his conviction for a sexual offence.

You are concerned that your family should not be given any information regarding your partner’s conviction. Children’s services are required to have regard confidentiality. However, where child protection is involved, disclosure can be made to safeguard children. If your partner is on the sex offenders register and or children’s services consider him to be a risk to children, they could decide to inform your family members especially where your partner is likely to meet their children. Children’s services could ask you or your partner to share the information with family.

Regarding your specific question relating to pre-birth assessment, another parent who has been in a similar situation may share their experience with you. I see a poster has already asked you to send a private message.
I think it is unlikely that children’s services would say it is all alright since your partner has a sexual offence conviction. It is more likely that they will want to carry out a risk assessment to identify the level of risk they believe he could pose to you and your child. You have said how well you both get on and how good your relationship is but you must remember that children’s services role is to ensure children are living in safe environments.

The purpose of the pre-birth assessment to look at all the circumstances, decide if your unborn baby need to be on a child in need or child protection plan. The social worker will discuss these issues with you. I suggest you try not to minimise or justify in anyway your partner’s situation. The fact is he was convicted of the offence, and this will be an aspect of any assessment carried out by children’s services.

The important thing for you and your partner is to work openly and honestly with children’s services.
You may find it helpful to contact the Lucy Faithfull Foundation 0800 100 0900. They offer advice perpetrators and families where sexual offence involved. Unlock 01634 247 350 advises former prisoners and may be helpful to your partner. There is also links to our website might help you in working with children’s services:

Children’s Services
You can read about the procedure followed when children,s services receive a referral.

Working with guide
This guide provides help for working with social workers

Parents to be
I hope this information for parents to be will help you to have a better understanding of children's services involvement at this time

Pre-birth assessment
Here is some information from our A-Z of terms relating to pre-birth assessment

I hope you will find this helpful, and should you wish to speak with one our advisers 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 (except Bank Holidays).

Best wishes

Suzie