help neede with issues with case workers

[mizaza]

Hi all
Im currently going through the initial investigation stage but i have had major issues with the child protection unit .
1st problem is the lack of communications my wife and myself are constantly trying to get ahold of the case worker or the department manager but with no luck.Also the other issue is that my case worker has taken 14 working days off sick within the initial 25 working days .

its even getting to the point of that my solicitor is not getting any response to the emails that she is sending in.and ive had 2 supervised visits over a period of 5 weeks which my two little ones are being majorly affected by .

If any one can offer any suggestions to me as i have been down the route of putting in an official complaint with the local complaints department and i had the SS department manager call me up and politely informed me that if i "carried on kicking the hornets nest " it could make things very bad for my case .

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear mizaza

Welcome to the parent's board.

I am sorry to hear that you are struggling to receive effective communication from Children's Services in relation to your situation.

In order that I can provide you with accurate information about your circumstances, could you state the exact nature of Children's Services involvement with your family. Would I be right in thinking there is a child protection plan in place but possibly court proceedings at this time.

Once you reply to these points, I will come back to you with more detailed advice.

Best Wishes

Suzie

[mizaza]

Hi

I have no idea about a child protection plan being in place at the moment all im aware is there is an investigation being carried out as there is an unexplained mark on the child's arm .there has been no mention of court involvement as of yet.Not even my solicitor can get a straight answer from the social services department involved .
the basic summary so far is
So Over 5+ weeks we have had as a family
2x supervised family visits
3 x cancelled family visits with no explanation
2 x planned meetings between my wife and case worker & 2 x cancelled or not attended
1 x planned meeting between myself and case worker & 2 x cancelled meetings
16 x days taken off ill from case workers
Numerous days of lack of communication or response to attempted contact with case workers

regards

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear M,

Thank you for providing me with more information about children services assessment of your families’ circumstances. I understand that your child is not living with you at the moment-is that right?

I can see how frustrating it must be that so many appointments have been cancelled. You are worried that this may delay your child (ren) coming home. Also your contact with your child is being cancelled?

It sounds like there is a joint investigation (police and children services). Is that correct? There is concern that the mark may be due to a non accidental injury?

If the police are involved, they will be investigating to see whether a crime has been committed. Children services will be carrying out a separate assessment but will also be waiting to hear the outcome of the police investigation-which will feed into their assessment.

The police will be looking to see if they have enough evidence to prove beyond reasonable doubt-that a criminal offence occurred (ie 95% it did). Children services assessment needs a much lower burden of proof. What happened- on the balance of probabilities?
So it is not unusual for the police to close their case but children’s revives to still be involved.

Although it is important to keep a note like you are doing about meetings cancelled etc it is not the main issue. Instead it is important that you cooperate with the assessment process as well. The assessment will look at your child’s needs and your parenting capacity as well as your environment and support from friends and family. The assessment, as well as interviews with you and mum, will also involve children service contacting other people who know your child such as health visitor, GP, nursery, school. If you have a supportive extended family-they could also be involved.
Have a look at our frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) about the child protection process.

It is important to be cooperative, it may help when making plans such as the rehabilitation home of children. When it comes to safety of children, the social worker will want to be able to work with parents who they can trust to let them into the family home for example, to allow access to a child they might be worried about. Cooperation also allows a family to show the best of the family-all the positives, how well the family works, the support network that is available as well as any support that can be offered to a family.

I am glad that you have a solicitor do all the chasing of the social worker and complaints for cancelled appointments so you can concentrate on your family and the assessment process.

If your child(ren) are not living with you at the moment but are in care or placed with family or friends then have a look at our advice sheet about
Duties to children in the care system . It sets out the role of the independent reviewing officer and explains how the care plans should be managed to ensure your child’s needs are met.

I hope this information helps. As well as posting your questions back here you may want to also discuss in depth with an adviser on our free and confidential advice line 0808 801 0366.

Best wishes,
Suzie