Section 47

[Froggie 612]

Hi , we had been on CP for a year that went to legal dropped to CP and then we were case closed . We were on due to DV . Now the last DV incident was Boxing Day last year . Dad doesn’t live in the family home but helps out with the children and visits . Now my children have talked about somet at school and the school have reported it back to social services . I have 100 % proof dad wasn’t there as he was working away . Hotel receipts , photos work invoices and payment .
Social services won’t listen and say because of the past history . No surely that can’t be included as that was dealt with under this last CP . Basically they won’t listen it hasn’t happened and are going to seek legal advise as the saying CP And Legal didn’t work

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear Froggie 612

Welcome to the parents’ discussion forum and thank you for your post.

My name is Suzie, online adviser at Family Rights Group and I will respond to your post. You are clearly very distressed that having gone through child protection and public law outline with children’s services and the case closed, due to something your children spoke about at school this had led to children’s services becoming involved again.

You have been told that they are seeking legal advice as, it appears, they do not believe that you have continued to follow whatever agreement was put in place when the case was closed. In your post you say that the children’s dad does not live at home, but he helps and visits. Were these visits and helping part of what children’s services expected to happen.

There is proof that the father was not at our home at a particular time, but the children may have spoken about a different time. Also, depending on your children’s ages, their concept of time may be different so in some instances they can get time frames wrong.

You are concerned that children’s services are looking at what happened previously. However, the past will be considered even if it not solely relied on in their decision making. It may be that the father can give details of his work schedule himself to show when he visited the family home. If you are the one, try to prove your children wrong children’s services may be concerned. Has the social worker spoke with your children separately following the referral from the school. A lot depends on what they may have told the social worker. Children will usually be believed when they say something has happened unless children’s services find out otherwise when they investigate.

Since children’s services closed the case that suggests that you and the father worked well with them for a time at least. If there is a history of domestic abuse and this is what was reported by your children, then it will be a concern that things have not significantly changed.

Here is information about s47 child protection . Children’s services want to be confident that the children are not exposed to harmful situations whether physical or emotional. You may find it helpful to read this GUIDE about working with social workers.

I suggest that you ask to have a meeting with the social worker’s team manager so you can discuss your concerns. If the father is concerned about the circumstances, he too can request a meeting with the social worker and team manager.

You can telephone our advice line to speak with an adviser should you wish to do so. The advice line is open from 9.30am to 3.00pm Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays).

Hope this helps

Best wishes

Suzie