Any CP social workers that can help me? They want to visit!

[PizzaHerbs]

what Will they be looking for? What happens next? Anything I should know in advance?

Depends why they’re visiting surely? I would be seeking legal advice rather than advice from mumsnet if you’re able to.

Yes it depends why they are visiting.
However I hated these threads and am wary of them, especially after so many high profile cases this year, and would hate to think that someone has assisted in helping abusive or negligent parents hide this from SW, or found a way to stay with an abusive partner that SS doesn’t want near the children

Why are you worried? If you feel you need to be worried then you obviously have something to hide.

Be open and honest.

Why are they coming ?

They have concerns of neglect. I can’t say more.

I'm no expert but I would strongly advise complete honesty.
They don't visit without reason. Could be a malicious report but they still need to check it out

Don't try to change anything. If you have support needs please don't look for tips on how to 'pass' - covering up a need for help means you fall through the net and don't get the support you need.

I hope the visit goes well

If they have concerns about neglect you need to be honest with them. Accept what they have to say and accept their help.

Well you need to be blown and honest, let them visit and assess the situation for themselves. The outcome will be one of two; either they’ll have no concerns and sign you off, in which case you have nothing to worry about. Or they will have concerns, and will put support for you and your kids in place, which feels scary but is a good thing for all of you. Your kids are the priority here OP. Social services aren’t evil, they want to help.

If there is signs of neglect then don't change anything and let them see things for how they really are as this is what is best for your child. Are you struggling? They don't just instantly take children away if its a situation where a struggling parent with a bit of help can be resolved to be a better parent.

When they come out they'll tell you what information you have and will ask you about it. They'll ask your opinion (eg if you agree with the information they have or not) they will ask about what support you have, whether there is anything going on for you that is making life difficult.
It is likely they'll ask to look around your home. If they are worried about physical neglect they may check specifics, eg if there's food in the cupboards, if you've got heating/hot water etc.

I can understand it is scary but it's best to be honest with them and if things have slipped and you do need some support have a think about this and tell them - support is available if you need it.

They are looking for a clean and tidy house. No hazards within reach. They want the children to have beds and bedding. They will check your bathrooms too and make sure it’s all working. They might want to check cupboards for food. They will check for running water. They might want to talk to the children alone.

Thank you. Their room is warm, clean tidy with bedding etc. My room is an absolute hovel. I put all the effort into their room, the kitchen ans the bathroom. The rest of the house is very messy

Why? And if you're aware of it why don't you sort it out? Assuming there must be more to this story. Can someone help you? Friends/family?

Do you know why the concern has been raised?

Why? And if you're aware of it why don't you sort it out?

Perhaps OP isn't managing and needs some help? 'Why don't you sort it out' is the most unhelpful comment ever. Presumably OP isn't just sitting back saying 'fuck it' and is actually really struggling the keep the kids areas of the house up to a good standard?

If it's got to CP level, it must be pretty serious. Their initial assesment is already done if they've decided on child protection level?

DP and I currently have full time care of his children because their mother's house was deemed a health hazard and she would often brush off the house as being 'a bit cluttered'. There was animal waste over the kid's clothes and beds. And of course with a home that's neglected, naturally the children were also given the same treatment. The kids have been on CP level since August and will remain there until at least April if not longer.

Be honest with them and they may be able to help. But you have to be willing to accept it. And to actively work on the plan that they suggest too. If you all work together, your family can thrive instead of just getting through the scrutiny.

I would let them see what reality is like for you and your DC. Be open. CSC (despite their reputation) can offer support, guidance and advice on how to strengthen and support your DC lives.

Don’t worry about cleaning your room, they can’t go in there. Clean and tidy everything else and dump unwanted stuff in your room.

Be honest with them.

I'd be very open with them. Be honest about any difficulties you're experiencing, be open to advice and any support offered.
Don't be defensive. But don't let them make you think you're failing. If they say something isn't right but you know it is, then tell them the facts.

I hope it goes well.

This is bad advice.. hard to know if thus us mess, hoarding, .
If uts hoarding it may well be very unsafe dumping it in a room.

My question is do you think you are neglectful?
Is your house clean?

Is the mess unsafe?

Are you struggling?

Do you need help?
Are there any illnesses or disabilities making this difficult.

In answer though you need to allow them.to visit. Follow there advice.

A large aspect of their concern is whether or not you have insight into the reasons they’re investigating. There’s a huge difference between e.g. an overwhelmed parent with poor mental health who is struggling and as a result not being the best parent they could be for their children but who can acknowledge this and be willing to work to improve; and a belligerent parent who insists that their neglectful behaviour is justifiable / that they aren’t doing anything wrong and are being victimised. If you already know your house is unacceptably and potentially dangerously messy and unclean then admit that and ask for their support.

@headstone that is a really unhelpful piece of advice. By doing what you say, it just covers the cracks and places children are further risk. OP you know you're struggling with something, accept some help for it. Be honest in what you are finding difficult. The positives will be that you know that it can affect the children and are ensuring their spaces are clean, so what needs to happen to apply that to the wider home? What family support do you have? Are your children attending school? Accept the concerns (if they are correct) and ask the SW to help you formulate a plan. Maybe do one room a day while the DC are in school/ with family. One task is a big achievement if you are struggling. Tell them what help you need. Would you like a Family Support Worker to help you with routines? Think about things that are practical and will help you now and in the long term.

As a SW for 11 years, I can tell you, I do check parents rooms with their consent (helps to look out for substance misuse/ unknown males in the property etc) I have never had a parent say no but they are always clear that they can do. Also, I can always spot a house that has been panic cleaned.

Good luck.

ZiggZagg I’m sure the OP found my advice helpful. Social workers have no right to go into parents rooms. Everyone deserves some privacy. Only a fool would not clean up before a SS visit.