Fed up with with children's services

[Dawny11]

5 years ago my partner was in a fact finding hearing and found to be 1 of 2 people culpable to causing injuries to a 6 month old the other was the child's mother. I have known both of them for many years and know nether one would b capable of hurting a child. The child was taken away and placed with her parents and they were both having supervised contact with the child. The child is now back with his mum. Since then the child was found to have a low vitamin d after injuring himself at nursery which the hospital should have checked for when he had the injuries as a baby but they FORGOT!!

I started a relationship with my now partner in March and although I already knew the situation he was very honest with me about everything, he was fantastic with my children and took a lot of grief being the first person to be in their lives since I split with their dad but he always remained patient. Just when things began to settle and the kids enjoyed him being around children's services got involved and basically said he could have no further contact with my children until a risk assessment had been completed. He has a criminal record but has been in no trouble for 5 years. He has a borderline personality disorder which he was diagnosed with in December but makes sure he takes all his meds attends all his appointments with mental health and is stable. He used to drink a lot but now only drinks small amounts on occasions no more than ur average person. He may not look good on paper but is the kindest most thoughtful person I know.

The first social worker we had who started the risk assessment said to me and another social worker she did not feel my partner is a risk and it should b a positive outcome. She had pretty much completed the risk assessment but left the team and I since have another sw who only had to receive a report from his mental health team. The assessment should have been completed on the 3rd of sept but still has not been completed. Things that have been said aswell as my own fear make me think the risk assessment will b a negative outcome and I'm worried he won't b allowed back into my home around my kids which would devastate me as I know how happy we could be as a family. I've never been involved with social before and my eldest is nearly 12 I believe I'm a very good mum and would never put my kids in danger.

My question is, is if they don't allow him around my kids again how can I fight it? And am I likely to succeed? We are both willing to do whatever it takes and want them to work with is so we can b a family. Unfortunelty I've had such a negative experience with children's services I have little faith they will do the right thing. Any advice will be welcome. Thanku

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear Dawny11

Welcome to the parent's discussion board. My name is Suzie one of FRG's online advisers.

I am sorry to hear that you are going through such a difficult time with the current Children's Services involvement.

You are within your rights to ask that a robust and timely risk assessment is conducted on your new partner and to give an undertaking that you are both willing to cooperate and do whatever it takes in relation to any child protection investigation that is due to take place.

I am not sure from the details in your post whether you are presently living together. If so, it may be advisable to live apart for the duration of the Local Authority enquiries.

In the meantime, can I suggest that you may find it necessary to seek legal advice from http://www.lawsociety.org.uk.

Should you wish to speak to an adviser about your specific situation, please contact our advice line on 0808 801 0366.

Best Wishes


Suzie