Social Workers using threats of removal

[heartbrokenfather]

Hi All

As per the topic title, What if anything can be done about Social Workers using threats to remove children from a parents care, If said parent(s) do not give the answer that the Social Worker wants to hear.

I have read on the forums that it is so common for Social Workers threaten, blackmail, coerce, scare, terrify, terrorize, parents to get the answer and out come they want. But not the true thoughts or feelings of the parents in question.

What can parents do to protect there children and them self's for this kind of tactics?

Thanks for your time.

Best Regards.

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Hello heatbrokenfather

Thank you for your post. I am sorry that things continue to be so difficult for you.

Clearly it is unprofessional and inappropriate for social workers to use threatening or indimidating behaviour or language towards parents. They do, however, have the right to have concerns about a child and to make clear recommendations about what course of action is in that child's best interests.

If Children's Services do not currently have parental responsibility for your children, they have no legal right to remove them. If you do not follow Children's Services recommendations, however, they have the right to seek a court order, giving them parental responsibility.

There is, of course, no guarantee that a court application would be successful i.e. that a court would decide that the threshold is met for granting a care order. It is right, however, that the social worker should be very clear about any possible consequences of your actions so that you can take legal advice and make an informed decision about how to proceed.

I would advise that, as far as possible, you ensure that any significant discussions or decisions are put in writing. If the social worker is asking you to agree to something that you do not feel is in your children's best interests, for example, I would advise that you put your position in writing.

- Emphasise that your children are your priority and that you want only what is in their best interests, that you are willing and able to cooperate with professionals in the best interests of the children and that you have concerns about what is being suggested and do not feel that this is best for the children.
- Explain why you do not agree and make alternative suggestions where possible.
- Ask for a written response to your concerns and suggestions with a clear indication of the likely consequences if you are unable to reach an agreement.

If you feel that a social worker is behaving inappropriately, you also have every right to make a formal complaint.

I hope this is helpful.

Best Wishes

Suzie
FRG Adviser