Probation

[Bunny1]

Need advice so my bf is on probation got into trouble before I knew him was living in another town so long story short he became homeless so my dad took him in. In the process of transferring him from 1 probation office to another they asked if my dad has children that visit him which he does grandchildren so they have asked if we allow permission for soical services haven't said why or what they were going to do but we need to consent I've never had any trouble with soical so I'm not sure what to do

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear Bunny1

Thank you for your post and welcome to the discussion board. My name is Suzie, I am an online adviser at Family Rights Group and will be replying to you today.

Your boyfriend in on probation for crime(s) committed before you knew him. He was homeless and your father offered him a place to stay. In the process of transferring from one probation officer to another they asked whether children visit your father’s home. He advised they do - he has grandchildren who visit him. This triggered a referral to children’s services who have contacted you to ask for consent. You do not know what this is for and prior to this, you did not have any contact with children’s services. You are not sure what to do and are seeking our advice in this matter.

From the information provided I will assume probation and children’s services have some concerns around the risk/potential risk your boyfriend presents to children. You do not say whether you have children. As they are seeking your consent, I will presume you do. It is likely that children’s services are going to undertake a child in need assessment. If they do, this is voluntary and they will need your consent to engage with other professionals – such as health, education and the police. I have added HERE a link to further information and guidance regarding this process. I have further added a link HERE to other types of assessments available to children’s services.

You do not why your boyfriend has a probation officer and whether you know the reason(s) for this. I don’t think it is helpful to speculate. I suggest you ask him, if you feel safe to do so and you may wish to consider making an application to the police for independent information.

I have added a link HERE that you may find helpful. It is information and guidance to making application to the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme (often referred to as Sarah’s Law.

The Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme (CSODS) lets you formally ask the police whether someone who has contact with a child or children:

• has a record for child sexual (paedophile) offences
• poses a risk to the child or children for some other reason

It's not a law, but it is sometimes called 'Sarah's Law'. It gives guidance on how you can ask the police to use our existing police powers to share information about sex offenders.

If you’re worried about someone’s behaviour towards a child, or something you've seen, heard or been told, you can use Sarah's Law to find out if that person is a risk.

You must apply for information about a specific person and a specific child or children they spend time with. You cannot apply for general information about child sex offenders.

Who can apply
Anyone who is worried about someone's behaviour towards a child can apply, not just a child's parents. This includes people like a grandparent, neighbour or friend.

No matter who makes the application, if there is information we decide to share, we will tell whoever can use the information to keep the child safe.

This might not be the person who made the application, it might be someone else (like the child's parents).

I have added a link HERE to request information under Clare's Law: Make a Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) application This scheme enables the police to release information about any previous history of violence or abuse a person might have.

Under Clare's Law you can:

• apply for information about your current or ex-partner because you're worried they may have a history of abuse and are a risk to you
• request information about the current or ex-partner of a friend or relative because you're worried they might be at risk

I have added HERE some information that you may find helpful. It is to our ‘top tips’ webpage. You will see there is a document called working with social worker guidance. This is information we have put together to inform and support people who are involved with social workers. It sets out how to work well with them and you might wish to consider if things are not going so well.

I hope you find this information helpful. If you would like to talk to an adviser at Family Rights Group about your situation, please call the freephone advice line on 0808 801 0366, Mon to Fri, 9.30 am to 3.00 pm. If you prefer, you can post back, use our advice enquiry form or webchat. Please check out our website for further information and guidance.

Best wishes, Suzie