Do grandparents have rights?

gypsyteeny

Ok it's a long story but the gist of it is this, our daughter has 3 kids 10, 8 and 6. Ever since they were born we have had one of them each weekend, we didn't have all 3 at the same time as we only have a small flat, but on special occasions, Xmas night, taking them on holiday, theme parks ECT we have had all 3. We are like 2nd parents to them.

Our daughter has an alcohol problem, this resulted in her house being like an absolute tip, she also had 15 cats and a dog who went to the toilet every where in the house which made it smell absolutely awful, it got so bad that the kids were all sleeping in one room due to the animals using the other bedrooms as a toilet.

Something happened which resulted in a visit from the police, they were so shocked at the state of the house that they wanted to apply for an emergency care order there and then, but their boss told them to inform social services, a social made an unannounced visit a week later.

The kids were removed from the house and placed in our care, our daughter was given a week to completely turn the house around, they offered to send in professional cleaners, they also got the RSPCA to remove all but 3 of the cats and the dog, our daughter and husband did as asked and completely cleaned the house and removed all the rubbish.

Now while the kids were here our daughter was invited to a party, she asked if she could take the 10 year old, we phoned the social worker to see if it was ok, she said yes as although the kids were removed it was under section 28 I think, which meant it was voluntary and their mum could take them back any time, but she had to give us a time she was bringing her daughter back. Well she turned up rolling drunk, I refused to let her take her daughter in that state.

It resulted in a big argument, I told her to leave and shut the door on her, my Husband phoned the social worker and explained what happened and she said we did the right thing.

Any way the kids were returned home after 5 days.

Our daughter is now refusing to let us see, speak to, or have anything to do with our grandkids now, she says we have made things worse by phoning the social worker that night and now the family are under the care of social services and will be visited for a long time to come, she has said if they ever need to be taken away again then she will make sure they go to her mum in law who lives over 200 miles away.

I really don't think we did anything wrong, we were just trying to keep our Grandaughter safe by not letting her go out with her drunk mother. It's really really upsetting as we have done so much for the kids and will miss having them to stay as it's been the same routine for 10 years.

Have we got any rights? Can we legally ask to see them? I'm sorry for such a long post.

Rambosmum

Unfortunately, grandparents have no rights to see their grandkids. It's such a shame because you sound like such lovely people.

All you can do is offer and be there for the kids when they need someone to talk to, and can get to you independently, which shouldn't be too long now. Personally I think I'd right them a short letter or card, saying you miss them and love them, and with your address on.

pphillips

If you want legal rights then you will need a child arrangements order from the family court, you can only apply for this order if you have the permission of the court. The forms you will need are a C2, C100 and possibly a C1A. You will need to send the application fee of £215 (unless you are on benefits or low income) along with 3 copies of the completed forms to your nearest family court.

Savvy_Sue

gypsyteeny wrote: »

she has said if they ever need to be taken away again then she will make sure they go to her mum in law who lives over 200 miles away.

I'm not sure she'd get that much say in the matter, even if it was a voluntary arrangement! She could certainly express an opinion and say she didn't want the children to go to you, but Social Services would be entitled to disregard that opinion.

However, what can you do now? If the social worker doesn't already know that she is not letting you see the children, I'd make her aware. You have no rights, but it may be that social services would have regarded you as useful allies in terms of keeping the children safe.

Ihateboybands

This happened to someone I know.You need to apply to do mediation. The other party may not turn up, that's fine. Then do the c100 forms as discussed. The case will go to court. If you have had regular contact with the children, the court may say that the grandchildren need to continue this as the courts are recognising the importance of these relationships. I know a grandparent who got regular contact for their grandchildren every month for the weekend. Children stay over. DONT GIVE IN OR UP!

NeilCr

Some good information here

https://www.grandparentsplus.org.uk/what-you-can-do

It might be worth ringing them up and having a chat. We've heard good things about these guys and the support and advice they give.

gypsyteeny

Thankyou all for your replies, I'm certainly going to look at the information posted.

marliepanda

By the sounds of her parenting you!!!8217;ll likely have them back soon enough. People don!!!8217;t change in a week.

Out,_Vile_Jelly

The important thing is to make crystal clear to the grandkids that you love them and are always there for them.

Rubik

pphillips wrote: »

If you want legal rights then you will need a child arrangements order from the family court, you can only apply for this order if you have the permission of the court. The forms you will need are a C2, C100 and possibly a C1A. You will need to send the application fee of £215 (unless you are on benefits or low income) along with 3 copies of the completed forms to your nearest family court.

It's possible to apply for leave [permission] from the court to apply for the Child Arrangements Order at the same time as making your application for the CAO. See the first question in section 5 in the C100 "Have you applied to the court for permission to make this application?" - you will have three options, "yes", "no, permission not required" and "No - permission now sought".

Staffybullterrier

I would say no. At the end of the day they are not your kids- simple as