A grandmother who originally found FRG when her son needed advice and support when children’s services became involved with his child. Julie is now a valued member of FRG’s kinship carers’ panel.

Five years ago my daughter lost her first baby, against her will, to adoption. It was devastating for the whole family but I felt I had no rights or if I did, no one told me about them. I later discovered that I had the right to have been assessed which could have made all the difference.

Six months later when the local authority became involved with my son’s child I immediately requested to be assessed as a carer for the child. I could not believe it when I received a negative assessment. But what was worse was that they could not or would not give me any good reasons for their decision and wanted me to just accept it. No way was I going to just lose another grandchild as I knew what they were doing was wrong. This time, although I was terrified, I decided to go to court to challenge what children’s services had done.

I desperately needed help. I had no knowledge of the law or how I was going to get anyone in court to listen to me. I searched for someone to give me support and information and I discovered Kinship Carers UK who introduced me to the work of Family Rights Group. I had heard of this charity but that was all. I soon discovered that this small charity provides advice and support to families involved with children’s services right across the country. This meant that sometimes their lines were very busy. However, this is when I discovered the importance of their website which contained information which was relevant, clear and most importantly, precise and to the point.

The help, support and guidance I received from Kinship Carers UK and Family Rights Group’s website was invaluable and it made me realise that I could fight for a proper assessment as part of the court proceedings. I was right. I had many positive things to offer my son and his child and this was recognised by the independent assessor appointed by the judge who gave me a positive assessment which ensured that my son is now able, with my support, to care for his child in our home.

When my daughter announced she was pregnant again last year we were really happy but also fearful as we knew that it was just a matter of time before children’s services would become involved. However, this time I knew exactly where to get the help, support and guidance I needed. Kinship Carers UK and Family Rights Group were at the end of the phone but also once again I went straight to Family Rights Group’s website which I could access advice at any time of the night. The invaluable information that I needed to support my daughter and get us, as a family ready to challenge children’s services was all there. I found information about the law and practice of children’s services, basically telling me what is supposed to happen when professionals are working with your family and how to challenge them if they are not following their own guidelines and best practice. As usual the website didn’t let me down.

All the information I found out I printed and shared with my daughter who felt a lot more secure about things, especially when she was not able to get any free legal advice about the things that were worrying her. Knowing that I could support her and her own determination to show that she was capable of caring for her new baby really strengthened us as a family.

As a result of using the Family Rights Group’s website I felt confident when we attended meetings and was able to insist on early intervention as there was plenty of time before the baby’s birth. I was also aware of and insisted that my daughter should have an advocate to support her. This was agreed and it gave me such a wonderful feeling to know that I had been able to help her be better prepared for her journey.

In April this year my daughter gave birth. Her baby is now nearly six months old and is in my daughter’s care. They are both thriving as a result of the support they have been given.

I’d like to thank Kinship Carers UK and Family Rights Group for the help and support given to me. If it wasn’t for FRG’s website I wouldn’t have been so confident in knowing our rights.

FRG’s website is such an important tool, one that should never be lost as well as the well trained advisers who never let me down when I rang the advice line. I know that it can be difficult getting through when there are so many calls but it is worth persisting.

When I look at my two beautiful grandchildren, growing up with their parents and being loved by their family I just want to say THANK YOU to everyone involved in Family Rights Group – keep up the good work