Social services and past historic sexual abuse offence

[Lozzyf94]

Hi guys,
Hoping someone has been in a similar situation. This is regarding my current partner basically 2016 he got a caution for a sexual offence of having sex with a 15 year old she lied about her age and looked older than what she he was 19 at the time they split up and she phoned the police on him anyway he got a caution he never was put on sor and never has any orders against him. I’m going through court proceedings as my eldest dad is taking me to court for accesss he’s been granted indirect contact it’s only that Cafcass did a police check on my partner this caution has been flagged Cafcass did a referral to social and they said they may need to do an assessment. They have been out today my house today and said the kids are on a child in need plan, my partner has got an appt next week to speak with social worker about this caution his childhood etc they haven’t said he has got to leave or anything like that.
What could he be expected to be asked?
And has anyone come out of this case closed?

Thanks

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear Lozzyf94,

Thank you for your post and welcome to the parents’ forum. I’m Suzie, an online adviser responding to you today.

You explain that the father of your eldest child is seeking contact with him via a child arrangements order in court. As part of this hearing Cafcass completed background checks and your current partner’s historic caution for a sexual offence necessitated a referral to children’s services.

I realise that this must be a challenging time for you. It sounds like you and your partner are working openly with children’s services to answer any questions about risk or wellbeing of the children in your care.

You can read more about child in need plans here.

I cannot answer your question about the questions the social worker will put to your partner in any details as there is no standard framework for assessment of risk in this context. The social worker will want to discern your partner’s understanding of the issues raised and will need to be reassured about your children’s safety in the household.

Lucy Faithfull Foundation are a charity that can support people affected by matters arising from sexual offending. Their website is here, and a link to the helpline details and frequently asked questions page is here.

Child Law Advice are a useful resource for advice and information on private family law. You can link to their website here.

I hope this information was useful to you. Please feel free to come back to us for further support.
There are many different ways to contact Family Rights Group.

• A free telephone advice line open Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 3pm (excluding Bank Holidays) on 0808 801 0366
• Easy-to-follow online information. Features include an A-Z, FAQs, films, ‘top tips’ and legal advice sheets;
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• A web enquiry form – to help you submit an email and receive a reply within five working days.

Best wishes,
Suzie