22 days since date of referral, assessment still not started

[Silvecloud111]

. .

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear Silvecloud111

Thank you for your further post. I understand that this is a stressful process especially if you are worried that there has been a delay. I understand that this is impacting on your family. You state that your partner is not allowed any contact.

You are concerned that the assessment has not started. However, it has started as the social worker has visited you at home. She is already likely to have liaised with some of the professionals involved in your family network.

You can contact the social worker to request an update though and to ask when she will see your children at school. You can ask her to let you know if there is anything they would recommend that you or your partner should do at present. You could put your queries in writing so that there is a clear record that you are engaging and wanting to be kept involved.

There are strict timescales for completing child protection conferences and for arranging a child protection conference (where this is necessary).

If your partner is being investigated by police, then they can check what is happening with the police directly or with their criminal solicitor. If there are bail conditions in place prohibiting contact again this is something your partner should clarify as above.

If there is no contact because children’s services have advised against this then again perhaps your partner should ask the social worker how to move forward with this. It is a good idea to consider who may be able to supervise contact (if needed). Also to think about how this could be safely managed.

I cannot provide more targeted advice as I do not know why children’s services are involved. However, this advice on child protection processes may help.

I know that waiting to hear from children’s services can cause anxiety. It puts a lot of pressure on the parent caring for the children who has to manage this situation sensitively while having to carry on with everyday life.

This guide to working with a social worker provides tips about how to manage this relationship.

I hope this helps.

Please post again if you have a new query or contact the advice service by calling the freephone advice line on 0808 8010366, Mon to Fri, 9.30 am to 3.00 pm (except bank holidays). We also have webchat and advice enquiry facilities.

Best wishes

Suzie