Basically, im a single father with residency. My son was removed from his mums care in 2020 by the LA due to concerns for his welfare. He has not seen his mum for a year, she makes no effort and doesnt seem interested. I think she done it deliberately and she still see's her older son (from another father). Anyway, i think he wants to see her and she says she wants to see him.
But how do i facilitate this?
Ive told her to take me to court, then she would have supervised visitation but she hasnt done that. I did it when my son was 2 so that i could see him. She's also missed lots of contact sessions in the past. But back to present day, i thought he could see her in a local pizza place where she could give him presents etc, there is only one way in and one way out. Maybe an hour? But she's not stupid and loves drama. She drinks a lot and uses drugs. If she randomly kicks off in the street for something trivial (an excuse to cause a scene), in a public place (not beyond imagination believe me), then that would go badly for me and ultimately my son. If she were to do that, im sure a random male passer-by would come running to to her 'distress' and see me as the problem in that situation. This would be the same if the police were called, and then my son would be back under social services simply because she had a hissy fit. The social services might then think that because i arranged informal visitation, im somehow irrational and incapable of looking after my son etc. I cannot get legal aid and supervised visitation costs roughly £250-300 per session!
There is no social service involvement and i cannot afford to pay for her to have visitation.
What do i do?
Hi,
I think you should be able to find a supervised contact centre that is more affordable. Can try search here: https://naccc.org.uk/find-a-centre/
In meantime would mother be open to having video calls with Child?