Is my social worker overstepping the line

[Mum849]

Need advice asap.Social services have no legal rights now to stopping me returning home to my partner after a dv attack.I have given 24th July as my departure from refuge to returning home.
I have been presented with an agreement contract between social services and myself and partner.In it it states that we must fully engage with childrens services.
That they should have no reports of alcohol consumption(includes both of us)
That my home to be clean and tidy to a standard appropriate for the children(when i asked what standard wasrequired.She could not answer.Social worker also expects me to look after 4 kids.travel 30 miles to my home to clean.I have no one to help.Partner does what he can.but works full time.Social worker will not let me take the kids inside the house or sleep over. I have been unable to get legal advice.I was bullied by social worker into signing this agreement.As always threaten that kids could be taken into care..My partner has to see her on monday pm to sign forms.I would like to state also that this agreement doesnt look legal and theres no time limitations.
Please help me. x

[Mum849]

Also want to ask.Can a social worker turn up at your house without notice.Demand entrance.On entering my house demanding to view bedrooms.No legal paperwork shown . If a police officer did that he would require a warrant.
Again please can i have some advice asap.

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Hi Mum849

Welcome to the parents discussion board.

My name is Suzie, on of the Family Rights Group's online advisers.

I will attempt to answer both of your posts at one time.

You say that you have been asked to sign a written agreement with Children’s Services, after making the decision to get back together, following an episode of domestic abuse where you and the children had moved to a refuge, for your own safety.

In your post, you say Children’s Services had concerns about alcohol use, the children’s physical environment and in preparation you are required to travel some distance with the children so that you can tidy up the home. It would be reasonable to request financial support such as a travel warrant so that this is practically possible.

Do you have child care in place whilst you are cleaning the home to the required standard? I recommend you ask for them to break down this section, so that you are clear what is expected both now and in the future, so that you know what is or not acceptable to the Local Authority, and what you are agreeing to.

You are correct in asking if the agreement is a legal document. It is not legally binding, but more evidence of good practice between you and the social worker. It is normally advisable to seek legal advice before signing it so that you are aware of the implications of not sticking to your side of the bargain. Most importantly, you may wish to request that the agreement is reviewed on a monthly basis, and amended (if need be) so it can reflect any important changes to your family's circumstances.

Under section 47 Children Act, 1989 Children’s Services have a legal duty to look into a child's situation if they have information that a child may be at risk of significant harm, and to see what (if any action) may be required. This is called a child protection enquiry or investigation. Sometimes it is called a “Section 47” after the section of the Children Act 1989 which sets out this duty.

In view of the information you have provided, Children’s Services may consider it necessary to convene a child protection conference, to consider if there is a likelihood or the children have experienced significant harm, and whether a child protection plan, or additional family support is required, in order to help you keep the children safe, and meet their developmental needs.

If you wish to discuss your situation in more detail, please feel free to contact our advice line on 0808 801 0366 Monday to Friday 09.30 am to 03.00 pm.

Best Wishes


Suzie