Since final court order for child arrangements things have gotten worse

[Vivian3]

Hi All, I'm in need of some advice. My ex and I finished in court back last year for arrangements for our children. We have joint custody, 50/50.
It wasn't the outcome I wanted as I have grave doubt about his ability to care for the children.
Since court, things have gone from bad to worse. There have now been 4 social services referral by various bodies for the children in terms of neglect. Social services have been in touch with me and told me they 'strongly advise' me to take him back to court. They also said I need to do this sooner rather than later.
I am not in a financial position to pay to go back to court as last time it wiped out all of my savings.
I have been domestically abused and women's aid have said I might be eligible for legal aid.
Does anyone have any similar situations they could offer me advice about please? I'm a bit lost in where to turn.
Thanks

Make an appointment with a legal aid family solicitor asap.

Have social services put any of this in writing?

Thanks Joe66.
MrsBertBibby no, it was a phone call directly to me but they had a separate call with my support worker from women's aid and said the same thing. All 4 referrals were for separate issues and only one has resulted in a follow up call with my ex.

Ask women's aid to provide you with a letter that names you as a victim of domestic abuse and that they are providing you with support. This combined with 3 months payslips if you are on a low wage and proof of any benefits will qualify you you for legal aid!

Thanks Guitarlady, i will do. Fingers crossed, I spent over £30k in court fees and was made redundant last year so I'm now on low income, part time work. All because he had it added to the court order that if either of us works, the children go to the other parent rather than childcare. I have stuck to the court order whereas he chooses to work when he has the children and leaves them with whoever will have them, he has never asked me.
It's a very complex case and I can't share everything

I'm a bit confused. Social services have been contacted 4 times and only 1 follow up call?

Yes. Everyone involved is confused too.
I spoke to a solicitor yesterday and she said I should have no problem getting legal aid. She's also going to follow up with ss to see what's going on with them