Hi, I'm new to fatherhood and my son is 8 months old. Recently an incident happened and he was injured, sufficient enough for local SS to be involved. Yesterday, I received a call and text to be at court regarding his plan going forward. My solicitor was not able to make it at such short notice, so I stayed around to speak to the SS workers and their representatives, including CAFCASS guardian.
But I am worried what happens next, because his mother has kept me off the birth certificate deliberately. It has put doubts in my mind but dates do tally up etc. What do social services do next? Interviews, assessments of my flat....I'm completely at a blank. Should I be in regular contact with SS asking how he is or just periodically.
Any help that people can provide would be grateful because I'm worried I'm not doing enough
Hi there
This must be a very worrying time for you, is he in short term foster care? Have you talked to the SS about keeping you informed and about your parental status, regarding not being named on his birth certificate?
You mention assessments of your flat? Have they mentioned that they want to make assessments on your suitability to have your son with you?
Without knowing much about your situation, I would advise that you try and keep,in regular contact with them, do everything they require of you and it might be worth asking them if you should make a court application for Parental Responsibility, this may help if you want to be more involved.
All the best
I would think that SS would look at the possibility of your son residing with you as the best option if he isn't being returned to the mother, it's by far the easiest and cheapest option for them from their point of view, and the best outcome for your son, so definitely work with them.
I'm more than prepared to work with them as I know they have they only got his best interest at heart. Thanks for the advice
I am calling them up first thing tomorrow. Got a lot of questions I need to ask.
Yes they have said they will be interviewing and assessing me as I have what my solicitor calls 'party interest' in having my son. From what I have been told in a CAFCASS letter it should take about 6 months altogether
If they haven't already, they should be arranging contact between you and your son, it's something you can ask about tomorrow.
It such a shame it will take so long, but we're here to help as much as we can.
All the best