advice for a friend (child protection issues)

TBagpuss

I am not aware of a specific support network for parents facing Care proceedings.
One issue is what the reasons are for the child being removed.
For example, if the concerns are around the child being at risk of violence /of emotional harm from witnessing violence from your friends partner, then domestic abuse charities will be able to offer her help to separate and protect herself and her child.

If there are concerns about drug or alcohol use and its impact of the child, or concerns relating to mental illness resulting in neglect then her GP and/or local mental health team would be the first port of call

If she feels that her solicitor is dismissive or not supportive then she could consider asking a friend to go with her when she meets the solicitor, perhaps to remind her of points she wishes to raise or questions she wants to ask. If the issues to relate to issues such as domestic abuse or mental health issues then she maybe able to get a support worker who might be able to attend meetings etc with her.

If she is not happy with the specific solicitor she is seeing then she could ask whether there is another solicitor within the same firm who could take over her case - this would be much easier than trying to get her legal aid transferred to a different firm, and could solve the problem if the solicitor is not someone she feels comfortable with.

I would however be a little cautious. In my experience, it is not uncommon for someone in this kind of situation to blame others (such as the solicitor), or to go looking for their own 'experts' if they are in denial about the issues leading to social services involvment in the first place.

If you want to help your friend, then you could ask her whether she would like you to go to the solicitor with her,or help her write a letter to them, to raise her specific concerns with how the solicitor is handling things. If asked, they may also be able to suggest other resources which would be relevant to her specific situation.

Asking about local resources for people from her country of origin may help, too. If there are language problems, or in the event that there is any possibility that there are cultural issues causing communication problems or difficulties in understanding, they may be able to help, and on a much more basic note, being able to talk to someone in her own language (if this is not English) may help.

Finally , if your relationship permits, encourage her to listen to her solicitor and to follow their advice.

Corelli

Hi, it could be worth looking for an advocacy service. Advocates support their clients in interviews and letter writing, possibly in court too, but the new secret family courts are a whole different ball game. There have been grave miscarriages of justice, it would be nice to believe otherwise. Of course, the OP does not know the whole story and anyone reading their post knows considerably less so assumptions should not be made.

Corelli

This organisation might be useful http://www.frg.org.uk/

Corelli

http://www.frg.org.uk/images/Advice_Sheets/10-advocacy-for-families.pdf

Ms_Chocaholic

Corelli wrote: »

Hi, it could be worth looking for an advocacy service. Advocates support their clients in interviews and letter writing, possibly in court too, but the new secret family courts are a whole different ball game. There have been grave miscarriages of justice, it would be nice to believe otherwise. Of course, the OP does not know the whole story and anyone reading their post knows considerably less so assumptions should not be made.

Yes I second this in terms of the advocacy service, if the OP is happy to give the area of the UK in which they live we could point you in the direction of an advocacy service who covers your area.

Ms_Chocaholic

Can I just stress the importance of you safeguarding your own child in these circumstances.

missbiggles1

I'd keep well out of it - mud sticks!

itsanne

missbiggles1 wrote: »

I'd keep well out of it - mud sticks!

Unfortunately, I'd second that, other than in pointing her in the direction of support suggested on here.

justme111

Anglea , father of the child had issues on sex offences front. From what I know from local press is the issues did not involve any body contact or violence - something of voiristic nature against random people , not family members . I do not know what is incriminated to mother. As it has been a few years since original story happened my guess it would be him being around the house while he was not supposed to and not making right noises to social services. As I said , I do not know the details and it is not my place to ask and no point anyway as I am not going to believe what I am said anyway.

Tbagpuss , I am not going to go with her anywhere or doing research for her -not because I am afraid of mud but because it would take the amount of effort and responsibility I am not prepared to dedicate to the cause , it would be wrong on so many parameters.

Thank you for your concern re sticking mud , I understand where you coming from. I am not going to discuss the topic in debt with the woman concerned as without knowing the facts I am going to be seen as approving of her actions. I am not going to distance myself though and will be honoured in giving her opportunity for normal communication she is deprived now due to fear and judgemental attitude of others . Itssane , your signature illustrates the situation perfectly. .
Thank you for your replies , I forwarded link for advocacy services.

pendragon_arther

What nationality is she?