Re: reunification
Posted: Fri Mar 15, 2024 1:48 pm
Dear Love2022,
Thank you for your update and apologies for the delay in this response.
The social worker has let you know that the assessment was negative as it is felt that the children were not ready for reunification at this time. It's important for you to read through the assessment carefully and noting all the points raised so that you can respond to them now and in the future.
I think that you could ask how and when reunification will be revisited with the children, and how those conversations will be planned sensitively so that their wishes and feelings can be fully talked about.
It might be useful for the children to have an advocate to help them express their views about their future care and the possibility of reunification. You can read more about advocates here
Each looked after child review should consider whether the care order still needs to be in place, so as you’re probably aware, it’s very important for you to be involved in the reviews so that the possibility of reunification can be considered regularly and any obstacles worked on.
You can read more about care plans and looked after child reviews here.
You could also ask for a copy of the local authority’s Reunification Policy.
Looked after child reviews look at all aspects of the care plan including contact. You write that you are having regular contact with the children but obviously it’s not the same as the daily routine of caring for them.
Could the social worker discuss the contact plans with you and think about the venue, schedule and the available activities?
Enriching the contact time that you have with the children is a good way to keep and strengthen your connection and deepen your relationships.
Information about how children’s services respond to complaints is here.
The complaints process does not necessarily result in a different outcome but it will look at whether the decision was made fairly and thoroughly with all relevant information considered.
In terms of court options available, you can read the Family Rights Group page on how care orders can be brought to an end in the courts here.
You should bear in mind that the court would consider whether there has been a significant change of circumstances since the care order was made and the wishes and feelings and best interests of the children are the priority in any decision.
I hope this is helpful. Please contact us again if we can be of further help.
Further ways to seek advice from Family Rights Group
Best wishes,
Suzie
Thank you for your update and apologies for the delay in this response.
The social worker has let you know that the assessment was negative as it is felt that the children were not ready for reunification at this time. It's important for you to read through the assessment carefully and noting all the points raised so that you can respond to them now and in the future.
I think that you could ask how and when reunification will be revisited with the children, and how those conversations will be planned sensitively so that their wishes and feelings can be fully talked about.
It might be useful for the children to have an advocate to help them express their views about their future care and the possibility of reunification. You can read more about advocates here
Each looked after child review should consider whether the care order still needs to be in place, so as you’re probably aware, it’s very important for you to be involved in the reviews so that the possibility of reunification can be considered regularly and any obstacles worked on.
You can read more about care plans and looked after child reviews here.
You could also ask for a copy of the local authority’s Reunification Policy.
Looked after child reviews look at all aspects of the care plan including contact. You write that you are having regular contact with the children but obviously it’s not the same as the daily routine of caring for them.
Could the social worker discuss the contact plans with you and think about the venue, schedule and the available activities?
Enriching the contact time that you have with the children is a good way to keep and strengthen your connection and deepen your relationships.
Information about how children’s services respond to complaints is here.
The complaints process does not necessarily result in a different outcome but it will look at whether the decision was made fairly and thoroughly with all relevant information considered.
In terms of court options available, you can read the Family Rights Group page on how care orders can be brought to an end in the courts here.
You should bear in mind that the court would consider whether there has been a significant change of circumstances since the care order was made and the wishes and feelings and best interests of the children are the priority in any decision.
I hope this is helpful. Please contact us again if we can be of further help.
Further ways to seek advice from Family Rights Group
Best wishes,
Suzie