After Some Advice

[PGGYFW3]

My 4 Grandchildren went in Foster Care with 2 different carers last year under a Section 20 which then progressed to a court hearing last Nov.

They did a VIA assessment on myself for the older 2 children but with being on my own and in employment which sadly I can’t give up for finance reasons.

They gave a me negative assessment but only on the grounds on my employment which I am due back in front on panel next week.

I spoke to the SW almost 3 weeks ago and requested weekend access to my Granchildren. I said I won’t be attending the contact centre with the children’s Mum and Dad any further and would apply to the courts for contact if necessary. Bear in mind I had a trip booked pre Foster Care last Xmas that I was allowed to take all 4 children unsupervised for a full day out.

The SW advised let me speak to my Manager there maybe a way forward without involving court action.

2 weeks passed and nothing, Monday just gone I sent a email to the SW and her Manager asking has this discussion taken place and where are we currently on this matter.

So far this has been ignored as well.

Reading online they are not justified or it’s policy in making me having to use a contact centre when there isn’t any safe guarding or welfare issues regarding me.
All my assessments are positive, Myself and my close family excluding the kids Father are DBS checked and clear.

To me they must promote contact in the least restrictive way possible and contact centres are restrictive, so only used if necessary which it isn’t and goes against the Children’s Act 1989.

I will apply to the courts next week for permission to take it to the court with being a Grandparent and have legal rights.

Obviously this will be time consuming so in the meantime is it worth submitting a Stage 1 complaint against the Local Authority for going against policy and the law.

Kind Regards

[VD2ER]

I don't see how employment should be a reason, in fact if that is the principle justification then that shows how weak their case is.

What is your justification of not attending the contact centre at the same time? I know emotions get in the way of things but if you could get there you and your grandchildren respond positively it's more likely you can move to independent unsupervised time. At the moment you're creating distance and an excuse for the LA unless perhaps you can be justify your refusal by provable abuse towards you. What ages are the children?

In theory the LA should "promote contact". Notes on the relevant legislation:
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/20 ... sion/4/1/2

A start would be to ask them how they feel that are conforming "to promote contact between all looked after children" with relatives like "grandparents or siblings". However I guess the LA will simply reply and say you can turn up to a family centre with the parents and absolve their responsibility.

The irony is if you worked full time during the week they may be obliged to provide the means of contact at weekends.

You mentioned a court hearing. Is this ongoing? If so, do you have details of the guardian? If you do perhaps speak to her as she should reflect the children's interests and may push the LA on your behalf and even get the matter heard at a hearing if need be.

[PGGYFW3]

I don't see how employment should be a reason, in fact if that is the principle justification then that shows how weak their case is.

What is your justification of not attending the contact centre at the same time? I know emotions get in the way of things but if you could get there you and your grandchildren respond positively it's more likely you can move to independent unsupervised time. At the moment you're creating distance and an excuse for the LA unless perhaps you can be justify your refusal by provable abuse towards you. What ages are the children?

In theory the LA should "promote contact". Notes on the relevant legislation:
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/20 ... sion/4/1/2

A start would be to ask them how they feel that are conforming "to promote contact between all looked after children" with relatives like "grandparents or siblings". However I guess the LA will simply reply and say you can turn up to a family centre with the parents and absolve their responsibility.

The irony is if you worked full time during the week they may be obliged to provide the means of contact at weekends.

You mentioned a court hearing. Is this ongoing? If so, do you have details of the guardian? If you do perhaps speak to her as she should reflect the children's interests and may push the LA on your behalf and even get the matter heard at a hearing if need be.

Thank you for the reply

My employment is an issue sadly I work rotating shifts which includes nights. They have even asked multiple times could I give up my employment which I can’t do due mortgage etc.

I was attending the centre but then I had words with the worker that supervises the sessions. He was bang out of order which the social worker did agree and pushed for me to make an official complaint to his Manager. I told her I wouldn’t be making any complaint due my Son and his partner could be affected.

I just will not put myself in that situation again, It wasn’t good for me or the children to witness. They are 8,5 and 3.

I’ve completed all the assessments required and the Fostering Care Skills course and already had unsupervised contact with them.

I’ve asked for the details of the Guardian to take this up with but so far struggling getting the information, Social Worker isn’t replying but then she is leaving the LA which I found out yesterday. I am in regular contact with the Fostering Social Worker but she says she requested the Children’s Social Worker to ring you but nothing yet.

Yh it’s an ongoing case still in the 26 weeks cycle due back in court in July

I gave them a week to reply to my email before I summit an application for an arrangement order and start that course of action

[PGGYFW3]

Little update

I’ve spoken to the Social Worker, They have agreed I can have all 4 kids once per month during the day. So she wants a meeting with myself, SW and the carers.

I did advise I will still apply to the courts so it’s an order and want overnight but it’s progress and any court action won’t interfere what they are now offering.