Real concern about extended contact

[tunecedemalis]

Court today says our LO is to have extended contact with mother- this is worrying me as recent allegations from child of neglect, contact with third parties that are banned by the court, inadequate food etc. The extension is in the hands of SS to decide when it is safe to begin. But LO's social worker changed a few months ago and she has never met her- I know the SW via calls and emails. SW out for first visit next week- how do I press our concerns? What is the best angle?

urgh what a difficult situation. I guess you just have to be frank and honest with her, report your concerns to her, and note them in your diary - I would voice your concerns to your link worker too.

This is one of the hard parts for me - you have to let the social workers decide what is best, hopefully he/she will take on what you have told her make a decision accordingly

Hi,

If you feel confident woungh to it may be worth typing up a wee something along the lines of........there are the concerns FC has raised recently and list the things she has said about the neglect, contact with banned adults etc.

You could make it a bit less formal by telling SW you wrote it down just incase you forgot in the 'excitement' of the 1st meeting.

If you give it to her in writing ( and keep a copy of course), if she chooses to ignore and the poor wee mite ends up hurt, thena) you know you did your best b) you have proof you brought it to SW attention.

I suppose I'm from the school of cover your bum at all times whilst at the same time standing up for the kiddies.

So sorry you and LO are in this position. xx

I totally agree with Shaz298 but I would also give a copy of your written concerns to your own SW.
Include when your LO has made the comments and try to be as factual as possible and try not to say what you think the SW's decision should be. (Personally I think this is the difficult part because we know the children so well).

Thanks for your feedback- new sw was really good and listened plus LO was able to convey through body language etc her anxiety at the change. SW will speak to parents