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[Kj0521]

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[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear Kj0521,

Thank you for your post. I hope that the following advice is of some help to you.
You would like to know whether you should notify children’s services about contact starting between your son and his father. Children’s services told you that they had some significant concerns about the father and advised that if contact were to begin it should be supervised.

Although you do not have to inform children’s services that you plan to begin some supervised contact, I would advise that you do contact them to explain the situation. You can explain how you will make sure that your son is safe during contact sessions with his father and what your plan is around this. It would be preferable for you to let children’s services know this before you start any contact between your son and his father, so that if there is anything more that they are concerned about you will find out and can make an informed decision about what to do next.

Ultimately the decision about who your son has contact with is up to you, as you have parental responsibility. However, given the seriousness of the allegations against the father, it would be advisable to discuss with children’s services before you make any further plans. I cannot speculate as to whether your child would become subject to a child protection or child in need plan, but the best way to ensure minimal (or no) children’s services involvement is to discuss this situation with them before you make any decisions about contact.

It might also be helpful for you to contact the Lucy Faithful Foundation on 0808 1000 900 as they provide advice to families of people accused of sexual offences. They have more information on their website HERE.

I hope that this is of some help. Please post again if you have any further queries or you can call our free, confidential adviceline on 0808 801 0366 (Monday to Friday, 9:30am – 3pm). We also have a webchat which is currently open on Monday and Wednesday afternoons.

Best wishes,
Suzie