Protection *Conference due ...need advice please

[dora123]

Thanks you for your reply
many thanks with best wishes

Dora

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear Dora

Welcome to the Parents’ Forum

My name is Suzie and I am an Adviser at Family Rights Group.

I am sorry that you have found yourself in what is a very concerning situation for you. You have said you regret the incident that led to Children Services becoming involved with your family and it is very important now that you cooperate and stay engaged with process.

It is of course very daunting for you to be facing an initial child protection conference now. The social worker’s information is correct. At the conference which will be attended by the professional who have involvement with your son. At the end a decision may be made for your son to be made subject to a child protection plan or alternatively a child in need plan. If it is a child protection plan then it will state what the expectations are from you and whether the social worker or other professional is required to do anything to support you. The final child protection plan will be discussed at a core group meeting 10 days or so after the conference. A child in need plan will identify what support your child or you need to ensure his safety.

You say you feel intimidated and bullied by your son’s uncle. Unless he is attending to support his brother at his request, or your son is with staying with him at the moment, then he has no right to be at the meeting. If you want you can ask that he is not in the meeting at all or when matters relating directly to you are being discussed. If you have a trusted friend or family member you can tell the social worker that you want them to attend to support you. If not, ask the social worker to give you details of local advocacy services so you can try to get someone to attend.

It is not usually necessary to have a solicitor at the child protection conference. If you had a solicitor (legal aid is not available for a solicitor to attend a child protection conference), then Children Services’ lawyer would have to be there as well. A solicitor would really only be noting what is said in the conference.

To help you understand the child protection procedures I have included a link here to our advice sheet 9. Also included is a link to advice sheet 4 which gives details about family support.

If you do not want your son’s uncle to be involved with your personal life he has no right to be and you should try and tell him so. A domestic violence service might be able to help you to build up your confidence and not allow yourself to be bullied. I suggest you contact Womens Aid on 0808 2000 247 and speak to them about your situation. Their website is here

You may wish to speak to an adviser on our free advice line on 0808 802 0366. The line is open from 9.30 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. Monday to Friday.

I hope you will find this information helpful.

Best wishes,

Suzie