Failed viability assessment

[Denbo68]

Hi I am after a little bit of advice my husband and I have just been given a negative viability assessment for the long term care of my grandchildren, they are saying the reason behind this is a historical domestic violence incident and that I have broken the care plan by letting my husband see them but they are still in my care jointly with my mum

So was the DV incident involving your husband, their grandfather? If so, you will not get a positive assessment.

He's their step grandfather and the incident was three years ago, we have worked with children's social care to work with agencies but have been turned away because they state it is historical

Did the incident involve the children ?

Three years isn't long, dude

No the children were not involved they are 1 year and the other is three months old

One incident and no reoccurring incidents

and that I have broken the care plan by letting my husband see them did the care plan state no contact with your DH but you went against this and allowed contact?

Care plan does not state no contact, this was only raised in the review document which is dated two weeks later, was a miscommunication and sw denies having conversation with me

It is wrong that you were not told no contact at the time so you weren't breaking the agreement as you weren't informed of it. But domestic violence is pretty serious even a one off incident and those children are very young and such little children will be need a huge amount of care and patience and a stable home. You could try appealing but do you really think you can cope with two babies.

Do they perhaps feel you have poor judgement by allowing contact with someone who was involved in domestic violence?

You do come across as though you are minimising the seriousness of the DV, this may not be the case but perhaps SS get this feeling too?

When the incident occurred due to my injuries i sought medical attention and reported it to the police and when I was faced with the situation I am currently in I disclosed this immediately in the initial interview with ss as I wanted to be open about it and not disclose this to them we have both agreed to work with outside agencies regarding this and have drawn a blank and ss can't find anyone to work with us either, they have been placed in my care as the youngest has received a non accidental injury by one of the parents and we are the only option available otherwise they stand to be fostered outside of the family network.

They have not given me feedback properly on their decision which is quite frustrating as we have agreed to work with them completely

Child injured by a parent living with a violent step grandfather. Obviously social services aren’t going to allow that. One off or not.

Three years ago he attacked you and left you with injuries that needed medical attention? I agree that he shouldn't be approved for fostering.

I would not allow my child to stay in your house, OP. You live with a man who has demonstrated a severe lack of self control and a willingness to batter someone weaker than himself. Quite why you think you'd make good foster parents is beyond me.

They have not given me feedback properly on their decision which is quite frustrating as we have agreed to work with them completely but if you are exposing vunerable children to a man who has a history of DV, no amount of ‘working with’ SS will make those children safe with you.

I’m guessing SS feel you have poor judgement in allowing them contact with a violent man and they are probably concerned as to what else you will misjudge and fail to protect them.

Why are you even still with this person who injured you so severely that you needed medical attention. And I agree with people who are saying that perhaps SS think your judgement isn't good since you opted to stay with somebody who attacked you and you think it's safe to bring two babies into such an environment.