Public law outline on my children

[mumof4boys]

Hi, my 4 sons have been subjected to legal proceedings and we have a PLO meeting next week. They are going by the state of my mental health which is stupid as yes I do get down every now and then but am dealing with the issues causing it yet they expect me to go on anti depressants. The boys are well cared for yes the house does get cluttered sometimes but what house doesn't when there are six of you in a three bedroom house and also the fact my in laws are causing upset and grief especially my mother in law as she wrote to our social worker saying she would rather see the boys in foster care and to be able to get clean clothing, good food and have a warm house when they get all that. I would like some advice from someone who has been in my situation. Thank you in advance.

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear mumof4boys,

Welcome to Family Rights Group’s Parents’ Discussion Board. I hope you will get useful peer support from your postings.

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

I am sorry that you are experiencing an upsetting and distressing time because of Children Services involvement with your family. The fact that your mother-in-law has informed the social worker of her views regarding your children must also be worrying for you.

In your post you say that your 4 boys are subject to legal proceedings but go on to say that you are due to have a PLO meeting. Is it the case that the children have been on Child Protection Plans and Children Services have now arranged a meeting to discuss what needs to happen to prevent care proceedings? If the latter is the case, then it is very important that you find a solicitor to advise you and attend the meeting with you. It would be better to have a solicitor who is on the Children Panel You will be entitled to legal aid. If you have any difficulty you can find one local to you through the Law Society.

You have mentioned a number of concerns that Children Services have regarding your care of your sons. Their concerns appear to be in respect of your mental health and how you are managing this. The state of the home is a further concern and you agree that it is cluttered. As far as your mental health is concerned, this in itself should not be a reason for concern but if you are not engaging with mental health services and taking any medication you may need, this will be of concern as Children Services will be worried about how your low moods or behaviour may impact on the children’s emotional wellbeing.

If you are having difficulties in keeping your home clutter free, you could ask Children Services to provide you with some support in order to help clear the home. The concern for the children may relate to their safety in the home if it is cluttered and, depending on the children’s ages how the state of the home affects them. For example, it may be unsafe for very young children if things fall or they do not have clear floor space for play.
It must be of concern to you that your mother-in-law has written to the social worker expressing views regarding the children’s care and wellbeing. Usually, grandparents do not wish to see their grandchildren go in to foster care. You should try and look at the situation from her point of view and whether you think there is any reason for her to feel this way.

Are the children are on child protection plans? If so, then it is very important that you adhere to the plan and do what is asked of you and accept any support offered. Working with and cooperating with Children Services is the best way to achieve the outcome you wish for your family.

I am including links to our advice sheets relating to family support and child protection procedures for your information. I hope you will find these helpful.

Should you wish to speak to an Adviser at Family Rights Group you can telephone our free advice line on 0808 801 0366. The advice line is open form 9.30a.m. to 3.00 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Best wishes,

Suzie