Want my niece to come live with us, where to start?

jonty1970

just writing to say good luck!
Pity there aren't more caring people like you, who want what's best for the child.

[Deleted User]

Likewise.., personally I would avoid discussing with your neice where she wants to be at this stage.., discuss the idea with social services first. You don't want your niece to be disappointed. Try and be supportive and 'enable' her to talk rather than directing her talk. Its a very difficult role but probably the one that will help her most at this stage. However, make sure ss do know she has a home with you, or u can act in loco parentis.

oddies2

HOW DREADFUL, YOUR POOR NIECE. i do hope you get this sorted with all my heart, it makes you weep the things some parents do. thankfully most are loving parents. the very best of luck. x x

hayley11

My mum spoke to SS today and they have said that my sisters unborn baby is their primary concern and my they will keep a close eye on the situation for the sake of the baby. They will continue to do spot checks but have no plan in place to improve the sitation for my niece.

I can't understand it, she's an 11 year old who is living in such a terrible state and is treated so badly and all they seem to care about is the unborn baby. We are worried about the baby but my niece is living through this now so surely she should come first?

My niece has been here since yesterday anyway and I took her to the dentist today, she had an infection in her mouth and my sister couldn't be bothered taking her.

My niece has told me she doesn't want to live there anymore but what can we do? Without my sisters consent (which I would never get) we don't have much of a chance do we?

richardvc

What a terrible situation - I have no advice whatsoever but wanted to wish you well.

You should be pleased that your niece has an aunt like you.

squirrelchops

gizmo111 wrote: »

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What will happen from now on is that the social worker will talk to family, school, health etc and gauge a picture of this childs life within 7 days - this is called an Initial Assessment. From there or during an idea will form on the plan for the child, most likely in this case a CP Plan in which case an Initial Conference will be called and everything will be discused and a way forward decided.

Just to update this....since 1 April 2010 the time for an Initial Assessment to be undertaken is now 10 working days.

RAS

hayley11 wrote: »

It has been reported to social services several times but my niece has always been too scared to tell them anything (my sisters friends told her she would be taken away and wouldn't seen any of her family ever again) and social services themselves have told my mum they can't do anything because my sister wouldn't open the door. How awful is that?

I suspect that the reason you have less chance with your niece is because there have been repeated previous reports by family which niece has failed to support, bascially crying wolf in reverse.

What might work is if she spoke to someone like the Children's Society herself and asked for help making a case.

hayley11

RAS wrote: »

I suspect that the reason you have less chance with your niece is because there have been repeated previous reports by family which niece has failed to support, bascially crying wolf in reverse.

What might work is if she spoke to someone like the Children's Society herself and asked for help making a case.

She has now told somebody. She was always too scared before but she has finally spoken up, she's told school and the social worker.

pigpen

I would consider making an appointment with a solicitor in your nieces name and taking her along so they can see what is possible.. they might be able to offer some support one way or the other.. and it is a voice of authority speaking up for your niece in her own words without you or her having to do it.. they can also tell you the implications of the situaion.

MrsE_2

hayley11 wrote: »

I have spoken to my OH about it and after long discussions, we've decided we will ask her to come and live with us but we want to do it officially through the courts, my sister won't agree to it because she won't want to lose the money or her slave.

So my question is, where do I start? Who do I contact? How long might it all take? We have legal cover with our house insurance, do you think that would cover this? I'm 99% sure my niece will say yes to coming to live here but will that be enough?

Thanks for any help

Speak to social services, they try to place children with family if its at all possible:)