Dear SD90
Welcome to the parents’ discussion forum and thank you for your post.
I am sorry that it has taken some time for you to receive a response to your post.
From your post it is clear that you are very anxious about what will happen when your baby is born. You do not say whether proceedings are ongoing for your partner’s other child or if he or she was removed from her care. In any event, your partner is now expecting your baby and you wonder why the assessment which was carried out and found that you could care for the baby supporting the mother is not now good enough in respect of your baby.
As you will be the father of this baby, and, named on the birth certificate will have parental responsibility for your child, children’s services will treat you as a father and not merely support for the mother. You could ask to look after the baby yourself separately from the mother, although I do not think this would be what you would wish to do.
You say the guardian has told you that children’s services has to look at you and the current circumstances. It would seem that if you are considered suitable for your partner’s child and able to care that you would not be able to care for your own child. I do not think children’s services should rely on the assessment as negative but should assess you for your baby. You could ask for and independent assessment and your solicitor will advise you once the matter is in court.
I am including a link to our
frequently asked questions this information is for parents.
Please also look at our
frequently asked questions specifically for fathers.
You will be entitled to legal aid and legal representation as a father once the local authority issues care proceedings. It might be an idea for you start looking to find a solicitor who specialises in this kind of work. You have already spoken to a solicitor in your local area.
Please read our advice sheet relating to
Care (and related) proceedings
If you would like to speak to an adviser you can telephone our advice line on 0808 801 0366. The advice line is open from 9.30am to 3pm Monday to Friday.
I hope this is helpful
Best wishes
Suzie