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Hi
I am new to this!
I have been experiencing contact issues on and off for over 2 years to see my 3 children so now going to court to get a contact order in place. My ex makes up lies, even got my youngest to tell the police my new girlfriend hit her (this was proved all false). She says the children dont want to come.
Whilst at court the first time it came to light that my children are on the Social Services at risk file as there has been domestic violence with my ex's new boyfriend. Social Services failed to let me know about any of it and admitted they made a mistake. I have been unable to access the report as yet but am now very worried about the safety of my kids.
I now want to go for full custody and wondered if anyone else had experienced a similar thing. Am I likely to be able to win the case? I am sure my ex is brainwashing the kids and my eldest admitted he was scared of her and worried that if he tells the truth to cafcass that they will take them away and put them in a childrens home.
Any advice please!
Hi and welcome
I'm not sure about the procedures for SS letting you know, but now you know, it's definitely something to pursue because if they are considering removing the children from her, then it will help your case.
As for going for residence, it is possible. Firstly, you need to reassure your son - social services generally don't like to remove children from their home unless there is a compelling reason (unfortunately, that means you have a harder time getting residence) but if they feel the need to do so, then if there is a suitable relative for a child to go to who can give them the emotional and physical support they need, then that is always going to be their first choice - and you obviously are that person, so he won't be going to a children's home, he'll be going to you if he goes anywhere. Cafcass should be well aware of these situations, but there is nothing to stop you from forewarning them of what has been said.
There are some sticky topics at the top of the legal eagle section on representing yourself - it's well worth reading/watching these (even if you are going to use a solicitor) so you know what the process is - it isn't easy, but it can be done and there are fathers on here (myself included) who have won residence.
- Samaritans – call 116 123
- Shout – text the word ‘Shout’ to 85258
