Basically, my partners 3 younger brothers (4, 5, 7) were taken into care 3 months ago. At the court hearing me and my partner were put forward to do an assessment to care for the boys.
5 days after the court hearing we were contacted by the social worker (after us getting into contact with her). She carried out part 1 of the viability assessment, criminal record, health etc. She discussed with us about a Foster Social Worker coming out to complete the rest of our assessment, she told us she would let us know when. 2 weeks later, the Foster Social Worker came out and completed the assessment, she was there for 3 hours (as we were told). We thought it went well, and she also said that things have gone well but she cannot promise anything (which we understood fully).
3 weeks later we got a phone call from the children's social worker explaining that although there were positive information that they gathered, our assessment came back negative due to our accommodation. We had already planned on moving and getting a bigger place, but we were never advised on what we could do or any help that we would be able to get (we are now in the process of getting a bigger place). They were worried about our independence skills, like cooking as my partner mentioned he likes a roast dinner and pasta bake, so that was a worry that, that was all we knew how to cook (stupid I know). The last things that they were worried about was our finances. I work 2 days a week, 9-3. My partner also worked with me, but we enclosed that he started his new job the following week (at the home visit), which is full time. but they did not consider this. I mentioned I was in the process of asking for a few extra days, which she seemed happy about, but the report we got enclosed that they were worried if this was to happen i would not be able to commit to my caring roles
The letter we received with our copy of the report told us we could apply to the court to be joined as party status', so this is what we did. We were unable to get some legal advise as every firm we called in our area either, were already involved in the hearing, were not back till august or they said they would get back to us but never did. We only had a week and a half to send the application off. But we did this ourselves.
We would be so grateful if anyone, who has been in the same position, has any advise on what we could do next.
We, me and my partner, do not want the children to be brought up by strangers, if there mother is incapable of meeting their needs. We want them home, within our family unit. We just do not know what to do next
And again, I am sorry that this is so long. Thank you!
lol