What is likely to happen next?

Bogeen

Thank you . I did think about that but when I weighed it up in my head I figured that only people very close would know the whole situation. I've thought about it for a few days.

I may edit slightly though.

thorsoak

Might I suggest that you send a PM to Mooloo - she has been in circumstances similar to yours with her daughters, grandchildren and social workers .....

Savvy_sewing

Hi, I am here.
I think that the best thing will be for me to chat with you via the PM's if you think that you may be "discovered"
I have been dealing with this sort of thing for the last 4 1/2 years.
This last month I finally got the permanant care of my granddaughter. She has been living with me for about 2 1/2 years now.
My struggles etc are all on here, since 2007! God thats a lot of posting.

The assessment is to see if the situation is a viable one. To see if the parents will cope, or not. Alas to me it sounds as if they will not.
They will assess you, to see that you are also capable.
The first thing that you normally will get is a Family Safety Agreement.
The child will be under the Social Services -joint care really with you.
They will hold a meeting with all of the relevant agencies. The police, the social workers, the health visitors etc etc. Then there will be agreements put in place to make sure that DGD is safe.
They will probably decide that the parents can only see the child under a supervision order. That means that they will monitor the parents when they see the child. There will be someone taking notes and a keen eye on thier contact. This information will be fed back to the senior workers, and to the chiarman who oversees the case.
You will have to have a CRB check, to just makesure that you are also someone suitable to care for your granddaughter.
It is rather tiring, and time consuming at times, but necessary for the safety of your granddaughter.
The Social Services will ask you to take care of your DGD rather then for her to go into care elsewhere, while they do thier various assessments on the family.
As your DGD came to you under a family agreement, and not under the Soicial Services bringing her to you, the system is not bound to fund you.
Please make sure that you are able to claim the Child Benefit for the child, (Mum is not caring for her so you are entitled to do that). Then make sure that you can then claim any other benefits as if you are the mother.
I was not in the exact situation, as my granddaughter was placed with me, so I was able to get Fostering Allowances, and had to be assessed as a foster Carer.
Ask about the local Grandparent and Kinship Carers group. There will be other people in the same situation as you, who you can keep in contact with and that will give you help and strength.

Sorry this is in a bit of a nutshell. Today I am in a rather hectic rush we have a streetparty and I have to get on. But I got your PM and I am here to chat often.
I will get back to you one way or another.
Mooloo

PS> If you doubt that your DGD is being cared for properly while she is with the parents, then it would be wise to not let them take her out, until the assessments have been done. If you have any problems call the out of duty team. Thats their job.
Until you have the agreement in writing that you are her main carer, it may be difficult to stop them, but if the police were already concerned about your DGD they would support your decision I am sure, and come to your aid should the worst happen.

Keep your chin up, but do remember that if you decide that you are going to care for your DGD, it is a life changing decision, and it will affect your relationships, finances and put you in a difficult spot with the parents at times. However it is quite rewarding when the child wants you, and runs to you when they see you at the school gate. etc.

Bogeen

Thanks Mooloo, I think I'd prefer to chat via PM. Enjoy the street party

Bogeen

Mooloo wrote: »

The first thing that you normally will get is a Family Safety Agreement.

I've just Googled this and I remember now. When my local SW called last week she definitely did ask if I was ok to care for my GD beyond the initial meeting. She also said that I would have to sign a written agreement which is the same thing.

At least that gives me a little hope. I guess it's going to come down to how much faith they place in her saying she never wants to see my son again.

Savvy_sewing

Bogeen wrote: »

I've just Googled this and I remember now. When my local SW called last week she definitely did ask if I was ok to care for my GD beyond the initial meeting. She also said that I would have to sign a written agreement which is the same thing.

At least that gives me a little hope. I guess it's going to come down to how much faith they place in her saying she never wants to see my son again.

hope your not having too many struggles today. Will keep intouch on the PM's from now on.
Hugs to you and your partner,
Moo