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Original poster

Social Services meeting my child without my concent

88 replies

NadeFC · 11/03/2019 22:51

Hi
Social Services had a meeting with my daughter and other parties at her school this week and I knew nothing about it.
Is this acceptable?
Thank you

OP posts:

NannyRed · 11/03/2019 23:57

Yes.

Do you honestly think abusive parents would give consent?

steff13 · 11/03/2019 23:58

Please can you tell me where it legally states that is section 17 and 47 of the Child Protection Act? Thank you

If you want someone to prove it to you, how about asking the SS worker to show you whatever Act is falls under?

Contraceptionismyfriend · 11/03/2019 23:59

Yes. Because SS are there to ensure the child's safety. To do that they need to ensure you are not a risk to her. How do they know you're not manipulating or coaching her?
Why are you against them speaking to her.

Original poster

NadeFC · 12/03/2019 00:00

You seem to know so much about it based on your comment I thought I'd ask you..
Clearly you don't.

OP posts:

7Pip · 12/03/2019 00:02

SS are a law unto themselves I'm afraid. They are not governed by laws like for e.g. police are.

Ooplesandbanoonoos · 12/03/2019 00:04

Hi OP as others have said they can if there are adequate concerns. Also your DD is 12 and at this age young people are often deemed able to give their own consent. For example they could seek medical advice without parental involvement.

Is there a reason you are asking this- are you unhappy they have done this and if so why? It sounds like you are a worried mum who sees what her daughter has been through. Why are you concerned about trained professionals trying to help her in whatever way they thibk is best?

Apologies if I have misunderstood and you are asking for information but are in support of what they have done.

I hope things get better for your DD it must be hard for you both.

OccasionallyIncomplet · 12/03/2019 00:05

In relation to your question - should they be allowed?

Yes - absolutely. SS are looking out for the well being of a child. They have a positive obligation under ECHR as well as a moral and ethical obligation. They do not and should not require consent for such an intervention.

user1457017537 · 12/03/2019 00:06

Child Protection Social Workers have the absolute power to remove children from their parents and home. Decisions are made behind closed courts in the Family Division of the High Court. You would be better off working with them rather than questioning their powers under whatever section of the Children’s Act. You say your daughter’s case went to Court. Is it connected and is there a safeguarding issue.

Original poster

NadeFC · 12/03/2019 00:09

I didn't join here for the first time today and ask a clear question about the legality of a situation to be met with such hostilisty about why I'm in a situation.
That wasn't my question..
Reply to the question.. don't question the question.. it's not construitive..

OP posts:

needthisthread · 12/03/2019 00:10

You are correct that your question is a yes or a no, you are however asking it in the wrong place to the wrong people, in the wrong way.

user1457017537 · 12/03/2019 00:11

It’s obviously legal or they wouldn’t be doing it.

steff13 · 12/03/2019 00:12

Several people have said yes, and you don't seem to want to accept it. You can google the laws yourself, if you're that concerned. Or contact an attorney.

dreichuplands · 12/03/2019 00:12

SS are governed by laws, the part of the U.K. where you are in will impact this but they operate under clear laws and guidelines.
The CP procedures for your area will be available online for you to check, normally both your local council and safeguarding board will have procedures online.
A s47 investigation would enable a social worker to speak to a DC without parental consent. This isn't common at all though, usually there is at least one person with pr who would be spoken to first.

HellnoH20 · 12/03/2019 00:14

My understanding is this:
Under S17 a social worker must have consent of a parent or carer with PR.
Under S47 consent is not needed.

However, none of us know the individual circumstances of when or where she was spoken to, and how this has happened. I would advise to speak to the social worker about your concerns seeing your daughter without your consent.

PeppaTheFirst · 12/03/2019 00:16

Of course they can - and they should be able to in particular circumstances. You said there is no child protection issue. Attempted suicide is a child protection issue. Child protection is not just about providing safety from abuse - it encompasses all matters where there are questions over the child's health, well-being and safety - as in they are needing some form of protection. I hope your daughter receives the support she needs. Hope you do too.

dreichuplands · 12/03/2019 00:16

And to clarify social workers have no powers to remove DC from homes, only the police in an emergency can do that or the courts can make those decisions.
Those decisions are a long way from a multi agency meeting hosted by the school to discuss mental health support for your DC however.

ILoveMaxiBondi · 12/03/2019 00:25

Child Protection Social Workers have the absolute power to remove children from their parents and home.

Err!! No they don’t! A judge has the power to create an order that a child be removed from a home and child protection officers will be involved in presenting the case for that to happen but they certainly do not have the power to remove children.

OP I have had SS involvement and every time my DC were spoken to by SW I was asked first if it was OK. It was always in my home where they live. Never in school or anywhere I wasn’t. That being said I had a fucking kick ass SW. she was brilliant and I wish every single SW was like her. I have no idea if she could have spoken to my Dc without me knowing. I have a vague recollection of her telling me that would never happen. It was a few years ago though.

user1457017537 · 12/03/2019 00:31

Who do you think draws up the section 47 to put before the Judge to remove children. They can and do remove children in immediate danger.

ILoveMaxiBondi · 12/03/2019 00:39

Who do you think draws up the section 47 to put before the Judge to remove children

Oh I don’t know, maybe the answer is in the post you just read, ignored and then responded to with questions that have already been answered?

child protection officers will be involved in presenting the case for that to happen

They can and do remove children in immediate danger.

Without an order?

user1457017537 · 12/03/2019 00:45

No with the police in attendance if a child is in danger.

Anything else you want to know

ILoveMaxiBondi · 12/03/2019 00:46

Oh so they need the police to attend? So not absolute power then.

Snugglepumpkin · 12/03/2019 00:47

Technically, no SS CANNOT insist that your child speak to them alone without your consent (or rather that of whoever holds PR)
HOWEVER, refusal to cooperate would pretty much be grounds for them to get your children removed at which point they would be able to speak to your child & you would not: so really they pretty much can do what they want.

S17 or S47 determination comes AFTER the interview/information gathering and if you refuse to cooperate it is far more likely they will go the S47 route.

Your child is entitled in law to have an adult present at any meeting with a SW as an advocate.
Due to the fact that abusers can be family members they are not normally viewed as acceptable advocates, but an independent advocate, perhaps someone (adult) from school or a family friend could accompany your child if the child wants.
Your child may of course refuse to speak to them & they can't force a child to say words, but you must be very careful not to influence that decision because that in itself would also be seen as a red flag.

BertrandRussell · 12/03/2019 00:51

OP-please do research EMDR therapy very carefully before you spend a lot of money,

HeddaGarbled · 12/03/2019 00:57

We’re allowed to question the question. This is a parent support website, not a free legal advice service.

You’re rude. You’ll get some good advice here if you can take it as well as dish it.

Original poster

NadeFC · 12/03/2019 00:57

Thankfully you are someone who understands..
I'm fine for their involvment.. to be fair I do need some help as I'm struggling with her suicidal thoughts and welcome any help as I'm totally on my own with her..
I was just alarmed that could hold a meeting without my consent..
It brought back trauma for my daughter from when she was cross examined in court.

OP posts:

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