partnership agreements what happens if u refuse to sign

[shay45]

hi I'm wondering what happens if you refuse to sign a partnership agreement, iv been looking online and it tells u to not sign anything with children services PERIOD they want me to have no contact with the childs father due to previous domestic violence, I feel like this should be my decision not forced into it, I know I will protect myself and my child and its very very frustrating they must think otherwise! I don't see what a piece of paper will do anyway, i will try and get some legal advice about this because its really stressfull

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

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

[shay45]

thanks for reply, theres nothing majorly wrong or needs changing in there, just for the simple fact I don't want a piece of paper to be hanging over me or telling me what I can and cant do, as I know I will protect myself and my child, I defintley am not intrested in pursuing any kind of relationship with my ex, and I have slowly and safely been speaking to other men potienal dates, which is a great sign I'm moving on and I know me and my child deserve better than what weve had its a tricky business dealing with all this very confusing on what my rights are so I think getting some legal advice is really important. I completed the freedom programme but would like some kind of counselling for the trauma iv had in the past , is there any links u know which can help me with that
thankyou

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear shay45

Thanks for posting again.

I appreciate that you do not like the idea of having an agreement but cannot add further to the advice given in the previous post.

Regarding counselling, you do not say what trauma you suffered, it might be best to speak to your GP to see if he or she can refer you to a service. Alternatively, you could do an internet search for trauma counselling in your local area.

If you wish to speak to an adviser about children services involvement with your family, please feel free to telephone our free confidential advice line on 0808 801 0366. The advice line is open Monday to Friday from 930 a.m. to 3.00 p.m.

Hope this helps.

Best wishes

Suzie