Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Legal matters

Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have any legal concerns we suggest you consult a solicitor.

How can I help my sister?

7 replies

worried4sister · 31/08/2012 20:07

Sorry if this is long and muddled, I'm finding things very difficult.

My sister and her DP have been accused of harming their baby. Long story, but she ended up in hospital with a haematoma and retinal bleeding was found.
My understanding is that these alone cannot be used as evidence for child abuse?

It now seems that a whole host of 'evidence' is being gathered by social workers that shows they are unfit parents. My sister is being cast as a cold, uncaring, emotionless person. Her DP has a much to close relationship with 3 year old who has attachment issues (WTF) also suspicions of sexual abuse because said 3 year old doesn't like strangers changing nappy or bathing her. There is more, and it seems every action they take, every move they make is negative. Whatever they do is deemed suspicious.
I don't know how to fight this?

My other issue is how do I get the children into my care? At the moment they are in foster care. My sister has expressed wishes that they be placed with family, however murmerings of 'too risky' are going on. I really want to fight to get them with me but I don't even know where to start.

I'm sure you understand this is a really horrible, stressful time for my whole family. I'm not looking for judgements.

Any help with this at all would be greatly appreciated.

Thankyou

OP posts:
ProudNeathGirl · 31/08/2012 20:11

Oh God, what a mess. I'm sorry I can't help you, but I suggest you consult a lawyer about getting the kids, and that your sister and her DP also need a lawyer.

worried4sister · 31/08/2012 20:17

They do have a lawyer who seems to be doing very little...No one has even spoken to me, other family of friends of my sister to get any sort of character reference.
Maybe I'm expecting things to move quicker than they actually do.

OP posts:
Sunnywithachanceofshowers · 31/08/2012 20:17

No advice, but bumping for you.

Big hugs to you and your family x

ProudNeathGirl · 31/08/2012 20:31

Suggest you get your own lawyer to get custody if kids.
Good luck xx

olgaga · 01/09/2012 00:23

You can apply directly to the social worker to become a "family or friends" or "kinship" foster carer. Have a look here:

www.fosteringandadoption.co.uk/special-guardianship/how-do-i-become-a-kinship-carer/

You might also want to contact the CAB if you can't afford a lawyer:

www.adviceguide.org.uk/scotland/relationships_s/relationships_children_and_young_people_s/kinship_care_scotland.htm

floatyjosmum · 01/09/2012 07:46

From what your saying I'm guessing they're already in the court arena. If so then your sisters solicitor can request an assessment of you robe a carer either for the short term or long tern.

Sometimes if they're looking at a child going home they may be reluctant to do this as it would mean another move however they should assess everyone who puts themselves forward.

If they are thinking that she won't return he they HAVE to assess everyone who comes forward as courts can't make an order for a child to be adopted say if there are family members willing to care.

If her solicitor is a bit useless I'd put it in writing to the social worker and her manager that you would like to be assessed to care for her and if they ignore you I'd seek legal advice even if it's just to get an assessment

catkind · 01/09/2012 18:12

Already commented on the BLW forum but just to say hope you're able to get somewhere tomorrow. Poor kids. xxx

New posts on this thread. Refresh page