Child protection plan

[Koko]

Hello...
I would like to ask if part od child protection plancan be separation of partners?

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear Koko,

Welcome to the parents' board and thank you for your post.

You would like to know whether a child protection plan can include the separation of partners. If a child is subject to a child protection plan, this means that the local authority has concerns that the child has suffered significant harm or is at risk of significant harm. These concerns can sometimes be due to the adult relationships, especially if there are worries around domestic abuse.

A child protection plan should aim to address that risks that have been identified. If children's services are particularly concerned about a parents' relationship with a partner, they may recommend that the relationship does not continue. Children's services do not have the legal power to dictate that you end a relationship - however, they do have a duty to safeguard any children known to them, and if they are worried that such a relationship may cause harm to the children, they may taken escalated action. This can include seeking legal advice and considering initiating care proceedings.

A child protection plan should always include a parents' views and wishes, and should be collaborative. If children's services are recommending that you end a relationship, it is important you understand why. If you do not agree with this, you may want to discuss what other steps you can take to ensure the relationship does not have a negative impact on your children. It is important to show that your children's safety is your priority and that you are able to act in a protective capacity.

You may find it helpful to take a look at our page on child protection plans here.

I hope you have found this helpful.

Best wishes,

Suzie.