Dear Shay45,
I can see that you are very worried about the partnership agreement.
The website that advised you never to sign an agreement is wrong.
These types of agreement are used all the time and usually prevent children services having to take matters further. Many users on this forum have signed these agreements.
These agreements are usually used by children services to:
• set out what is the risk of harm to your child
• What you need to do as a parent
• What you should not do.
• It also sets out what children services will do if you breach the agreement.
Agreements are used to monitor how well you can work with children services. It is usually a step before taking further action-such as child protection procedures or going to court.
They are extremely important. If you breached an agreement-and did not let the social worker know- this may be used as evidence that you cannot be trusted.
Should you sign the agreement?
You should make sure you understand the agreement. If anything is wrong in it is should be corrected before you sign it.
If you refused to sign the agreement the social worker may be worried that you were putting your wish to be with your partner before the safety of your child.
What in the agreement worries you? Why don’t you speak to the social worker and ask for more information about the agreement. Ask her to explain what it means. Is it clear? Is something wrong with it? Can it be amended?
Before you decide
NOT to sign the agreement I strongly advise you to take legal advice.
You could find one who specialises in children law at the
Law Society-Find a Solicitor .
Or call our free advice line on 0808 801 0366. You could read through the agreement with an advisor.
Have you had enough support to help you with deal with the domestic violence that you suffered?
There is the freedom programme or do you have the help of a domestic violence advocate or supporter? They can also help you deal with children services. And also advise you about agreements.
Call the domestic violence helpline on 0808 2000 247 or contact
Women’s aid and check you have had all the support you are entitled to.
Here is our
leaflet about children services and domestic violence.
If you have any questions, please post back.
Best wishes,
Suzie