Sarahs Law - don’t have the necessary information

[Sarahslaw]

My partner’s ex has introduced another new man to the children (my step-children) only months after their last step-dad left. This in itself isn’t great for the kids, but this new man has a lot of red flags (the fact that he is not allowed to see his own child being a massive one, but also changes in the behaviour of one step-child since his introduction as well as other snippets the kids have told us).

My partner therefore asked his ex to give him the information to do a Sarah’s law request or to do one herself. She has point blank refused (despite being previously happy to do one for her last partner, who despite passing the checks did go on to physically harm the children, but not badly enough for social services to care only for school early help to get involved). This has obviously made us even more worried that she knows something will come up if a check is done.

my partner has spoken to social services, the police and the school who all understand his concerns and the red flags, but say they can’t make his ex disclose the information to do the check.

so, my legal question is, is there any way that we can legally get the information we need to do a Sarah’s law request?

so far, all I can think of is:

1. put in a prohibited steps order to prevent him being around the children during their time with their mother until checks are done to safeguard them. I’m not actually sure if you can have such an order so I’m probably clutching at straws.

2. a SIO to order her to conduct a Sarah’s law request for the children’s safety.

3. hire a private investigator (I don’t know if they actually would be able to tell us his full name and date of birth though).

i would be very grateful of any/all advice or ideas.

Well done OP and thanks for the update. Thank goodness you were there looking out for the kids. Has their mother immediately removed this dangerous man from their lives?

She says so. We will obviously be making sure that is true.

Ahh I'm so glad it helped you! Ultimately, it's a piece of identifiable information and there is a policing purpose for searching it up.

It's terrifying that they were at risk from him, but this is why people should always trust their gut!

Yes and if the number plates were fake it would be reason enough the arrest and get the correct identity of the vehicle’s driver.

the whole thing has been awful, I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. I sincerely hope this thread helps someone else in future to get the disclosure they need to protect more children.

Well done for persevering and protecting those children!