......

[Ks200]

Deleted

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear Ks200

Thank you for your further post.

In your post you have stated that children’s services closed your file because you separated from your child’s father who was investigated for downloading indecent images as well as an alleged rape against his sister. The police did not pursue either of these matters against your ex-partner.

Children’s services were still of the view that your ex-partner posed a risk. I think it will help you to understand that difference between what the police is looking for and children's services. The police investigate to find evidence which is likely to lead to a successful prosecution. The criminal test is ‘beyond reasonable doubt’. Although the police may decide that they do not have enough evidence, this does not mean children’s services will take this to mean that what is alleged did not happen. They look at it based on ‘the balance of probability’ which means it is more likely to have happened than not.

You say that your child’s father has not shown any interest in contact. Children’s services may be concerned about you apparently wanting to be involved with what he is doing. If he wanted to know about how they view his assessment, then his personal adviser could have spoken to children’s services about it. He can ask for an assessment by children’s services if he wishes to have contact.

I think it is important for you to know that children’s services want to be sure that you will be protective of your child, so it may best for your child’s father to be proactive with children’s services if he wishes to have contact.

As stated above on the balance of probability, children’s service believe he poses a risk. Do you wish him to have contact now? If so, you can ask children’s services about the private assessment but be prepared to be asked about keeping your child safe.

I hope this helps.

Best wishes

Suzie