What rights do the parents have under an SGO?

[Skippy]

We have an SGO for our nephew. He's been insistent that he doesn't want contact with his parents, but they are convinced that we've somehow brainwashed him, as they didn't want him to come to us in the first place.

They are now asking to see the social worker's case notes. Can they do this? We've told the social worker information that we wouldn't want shared with his parents. They have also asked to attend educational conferences and other meetings about his future, but in reality, have no impact on his day-to-day life - they can't speak to us without becoming abusive.

[Skippy]

Thank you, Irene. We're going through a tough time at the moment, and parents making themselves a pain in the posterior is just another irritation that normally, we'd probably ignore, but just at the moment they are getting through the usual barriers and really unnerving us - which is probably precisely why they are doing it, as they think we told lies and stole their child. The fact that we didn't get involved until their son was already in care is irrelevant!

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear Skippy

You may find it useful to start by looking at our advice sheet on special guardianship orders and birth parents. it may not answer all of your questions, but will help you to explain more about parental rights, as well as their restrictions in these circumstances.

That said, it is advisable to draw on the welath of experience and advice given here, as this forum consists of many family and friends carers who understand what you are going through, and therefore, well placed to advise you.

Best Wishes

Suzie

[David Roth]

Skippy, we also have an advice sheet that deals with the question you raised about the parents having access to the social workers' notes. Advice Sheet 26 deals with 'Access to records held by Children’s Services' - you can read it (and all our other advce sheets) here: http://www.frg.org.uk/need-help-or-advice/advice-sheets