Need of Assessment Advice. PLEASE!!

[devoteduncle]

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[MandyLou]

Hi devoted uncle

Just a quick reply... No doubt others will reply with more info. But I suggest you call the FRG advice line TODAY 0808 801 0366 to speak to one of their advisers.
There are a number of routes open to you. While the children are 'looked after' the local authority can make all kinds of decisions but there are things you can ask them to do.
SGO and child arrangements orders are legal orders you can apply for. Are there ongoing care proceedings in court?
I stress you should ring the advice line, and you may be able to get some free legal advice from a solicitor.
You are not alone. Be strong. Good luck.

[devoteduncle]

Thank you guys so much for advice. I will definitely give FRG helpline a call!

[devoteduncle]

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[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear devoteduncle,
Welcome to the parents forum!
You have received a lot of good advice from Irene and Marylou.

Have you seen our advice sheet about assessing family and friend carers as foster carers ? As there are care proceedings, a fostering assessment will be undertaken because the children are “looked after”. The advice sheet sets out the process, including appeal and gives useful tips as well.

Care proceedings
I can see that there are Care proceedings. These are used to plan for where the children will live long term until they are 18. This could be back with mum and/or dad. If this is not possible, the local authority will assess friends or family to be long term carers who will usually be granted a special guardianship order or sometimes a child arrangement order. They are currently assessing you.
If you were not successful is there anyone else who could be assessed? The Family Group Conference that has been arranged could be used to look for alternative carers as well as looking for support for you.
If there is no one suitable within the friend and family network, then the local authority will consider adoption for the children or long term foster care.
Have you been going to the court hearings?
Only mother, father and the children via their guardian will be automatically parties to the court proceedings. This entitles them to have a copy of all the papers filed before the court as well as allowing them to go into the court room.

You should always go to the court hearings. A lot of discussion happens outside the court room and you will be able to meet the guardian. However, you should also consider applying to be joined as party to the proceedings particularly if you are worried the assessment might not be successful.
Have a look at our advice sheet about care proceedings which sets out the legal process and what happens at each hearing.

Do you have a solicitor acting for you? If not, you should consider looking for one who specialises in children law and is accredited by the Law society (on the children panel). If you are not able to get legal aid, your friends and family might be in a position to offer help towards legal costs or you could agree that your solicitor does part of the work only.

As there are care proceedings, there will be a strict timetable governing the case. Usually, the final hearing should be within 26 weeks. This may limit your chance of asking for a re assessment if the first is not positive. You cannot rely on having a second chance.

I am glad that you are doing all you can to find support in the community. A lot of weight will be put on this and you will able to use it to forge links with other carers.


Contact
The contact sessions will be used to assess your attachment to the children and how you parent them. You have only a short time in which to see them and be assessed as well.
Although you disagree with the person who is supervising, it is important that you take on board what they say. They will be assessing your ability to take advice from professionals as well. But you should also let them know the reason why you play music to the children. It shows your commitment to them as well.
Please also consider calling our advice line-as others have suggested. You will be able to discuss everything in a lot more depth. But please also post back. There are a lot of carers who are or have been though the same as you.

Best wishes,
Suzie

[devoteduncle]

Any advice regarding the SGO? It is a constant uphill battle to get themback but I know it's in their best interests

[devoteduncle]

I cant thank you enough for your advice! This forum is a godsend for advice and reassurance.