2 assessments for babies - SGO, positive but overturned

[JCU25]

Hey all, Newly approved here! Please help with this, it's causing so much stress


1. We undertake assessment for baby 1, done by an ISW as advised by the Judge.
2. We pass the SGO, the LA continues to lie and pester us, and the guardian does the same.
3. We begin assessment for baby 2, completed by a different social worker.
4. The hearing for baby 1 ends with the Judge speculating an unfounded conflict of interest and dismisses the SGO assessment, he says to redo the assessment.
5. Assessment for Baby 2 is negative for both SGO and Connected Person whilst the four session assessment is completely different and is done by an IRO. (What could this have been?)
6. We get invited to panel, we accept and then attend court to be involved as a party involved, the court is adjourned to the same day of the panel (something not picked up on during the hearing) We also get told to attend a LAC meeting.
We have no legal representation for Baby 2. it’s the same Judge for both, they’re trying to combine the cases which we refuse, as do the parents of Baby 2.
We were told to apply to be accepted as relevant party but struggled and we have no legal experience, not sure if the panel is more important or the court, as we’re branded as not engaging.

What could be done if worse comes to worse and is it possible to request a different Judge?

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear jcummins25

Thank you for your post and welcome to the Board.

I am sorry to read of your difficult situation and that the process has not been explained to you fully and it has been stressful.

Firstly, do have a look at our information for kinship carers and (particularly special guardianship orders) here. Our information about care and related proceedings may be helpful too.

We have a guide on our site about kinship care assessments where you may find some useful tips. You can also find the relevant local authority’s Family and Friends Care Policy, here.

For support through the court process, this charity Support Through Court may be able to help and perhaps, Child Law Advice too.

Best wishes
Suzie