I have name changed and fuzzed the details also going to be deliberately a little vague so as not to be recognised.
My ex wife and I have a son whom we share the care of. No previous issues, no previous Children's Services involvement, normal family then normal separated parents.
My son (8 years old) claimed his mum had assaulted him and had a bruise where he said he was hit. I called Police and they informed Children's Services who both contacted me for statements and informed me they both had to complete investigations into the allegation. I stopped all contact whilst this happened.
Two weeks later Police state not enough evidence to prosecute, understandably. So no more Police involvement.
Social Worker was allocated and came to visit us- all fine, he spoke with my son and told me his story was clear and consistent. He told me he had spoken with my ex and that she admitted to hitting him but she said it wasn't hard and was physical chastisement for bad behavior. She was given "advice" about the appropriate use of smacking and that it was inappropriately disproportionate in this instance.
Social Worker stated that his report is finished and that my son is not at risk of systematic abuse or significant harm in his Mums care and therefore contact can start immediately. I took his advice and reinstated contact. Son was very keen to see his mum, no bad feelings, no problems.
Son comes back from first weekend with his mum stating she had hurt him again. Not a hit this time, that she kicked him hard and that it hurt enough to make him cry. He has no mark but he is adamant it was purposely done not an accident. He doesn't appear to be lying, he is bright and articulate and explained it in great detail.
I contacted Social Worker who said if he had been kicked hard enough he would have a mark. I asked him if I should disbelieve my son and he said that was up to me but that he had already spoken with my ex and his report states my son is not at risk of harm with her. I questioned him and said but that was before this new allegation and since this second allegation he has neither spoken to me properly, spoken to my son, made a report about it or spoken to my ex... and I was brushed off. I have asked him to come and speak with my son so he can see he is not lying and has not been told or coached to make this accusation by me but I am waiting for him to get back to me.
Does this sound right? Should I just accept the Socials Worker's decision and ignore my son saying his mum has hurt him? What if he makes another accusation, will that be ignored too.
I would like to point out that I am not after stopping my son seeing his mum, I am not looking to gain full residency or any other agenda here. I am just concerned and so confused as what to do.
Would I be unreasonable to call Children's Services tomorrow and ask another Social Worker to hear me out and tell me if they think it sounds correct? I would in effect be questioning the Social Worker - is that likely to go down very badly?
Any advice would be great - especially if perhaps someone here works for Children's Services or has been in similar situation.