Thursday 8 November 2012

A day in the life of a Child Protection Team

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No particular rant today, just a little insight to what’s been coming in and what we are doing with it. Not particularly busy really, a pretty ‘average’ day.

A mother of an unborn child who has had a number of children removed in the past has gone missing. There was an assessment underway and indications were that we would be seeking to remove this child at birth. The lady in question called in and claimed to be on another continent (seems unlikely given the advanced stage of her pregnancy), she refused to say exactly where she was and promptly ended the call. The Police were informed and she was reported as missing. However, she is not considered to be missing by the Police as she has called and said where she is (albeit very unlikely she has made it to the other side of the world). As she has committed no crime there is nothing more the Police will do.

We are now left to wait for her to resurface, as she is not officially missing and the unborn child has ‘no legal personality’ we are fairly powerless. ***Update, the Police have agreed to accompany us to her address to check on her welfare.***

A potentially homeless family, we have NFA’ed this as they are not homeless, maybe in an ideal world we could do some preventive work?

Assault on a teenager by stepfather, also NFA’ed as teenager has now gone to live with their father (we hope permanently). Teenager does not wish to make a statement about the assault and the Police are therefore taking no action. Should teenager return to mother we will reopen.

Emotional Harm caused to children by extremely acrimonious marriage breakdown and possible mental health issues for dad. The most recent in a number of referrals for this family. We are going to pick this up, but private law case is imminent so the court will probably request a Section 37.

Young child allegedly groomed by stepfather, interviewed by Police and Children’s Services, confirmed allegation in video interview. Siblings will now be interviewed. This was reported by mother and the children are now safe with her, stepfather out of the house.

Domestic Abuse whilst children being ‘exchanged’ for contact, slightly unusual as it was mother abusing father. NFA’ed but Parents warned that further incidents will mean that Children’s Services will get involved.

Teenager assaulted by mother, assault confirmed in interview but teenager has ‘issues’ which mean we will remain working with family in long term in attempt to resolve problems. Teenager will remain in the home during this work.

Domestic Abuse between mother and her partner (not children’s father). The children were not present as they live with dad, however concerns about mother’s mental health and how this may effect the children when she has contact. Further concerns then received re father as he apparently has convictions of a sexual nature. Police check requested to confirm this, this will inform our future involvement.

Domestic Abuse between mum and partner, she has left him now, but requesting assistance. The feeling is she is afraid of him and may take him back if he pressurises her.

Request for a Section 7 from court on 2 children.




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