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Reporting a concern
It can be difficult to know what to do if you think a child is at risk. It’s important to remember that if you’ve spotted things that don’t seem right, others will have too. Speaking up can make sure that child gets help as soon as possible.
The sooner you contact your local children’s social care duty team, the quicker they can act. They’re available 24 hours a day, and can make an anonymous report if that feels safer. If a child is in immediate danger, please call the police straight away by dialling 999.
Report child abuse or neglect to your local council
Use these links to get in touch with your local council:
Hi there this is my first post.
I am divorced and have set days as to which I can call my kids I have a boy of 7 and a girl of 5, the boy has hardly ever spoke on the phone but the girl would always pick up apart from the odd occasion but over the last month I have not been able to contact them, I write and also send emails as a form of communication, I also leave a message on the phone so they know I have called.
I do see the kids but it's virtually once every five to six weeks. When I have them it does come up about phone calls but it's the kids asking why I haven't called. Like I say over the last month I haven't had any correspondence from them at all, I have tried to message and email the ex but again I get no response, apart from going round I'm not sure what to do now and feel that the kids are being used as a weapon against me. Would be great to hear from anyone in a similar situation or that have some advice as to what I could do as I feel I'm losing my kids and it's out of my control.
Hi daz
When you have the kids do you pick them up from the mothers house? If you do then I don't see any reason why you couldn't call at the house to try and find out what is happening...take someone with you in case she tries to allege that you were causing trouble. If not do you have an intermediary that could call at the house and enquire how the children are? A member of the family for instance...
I suggest you consider trying mediation to sort out some form of regular contact. Here's a link
www.nfm.org.uk
Legal aid is still available for mediation and you can check eligibility here
www.gov.uk/check-legal-aid
Hi NannyJane
Yes when I do have the kids I do pick them up from the mothers house, I have been round to see her on one occasion and she was very reluctant for me to see them, my daughter came to see me but my son didn't, as I live 45mins away travelling to see them is a bit difficult, it is a route I could explore but again I would need to get her permission which at the minute I can't get any communication from my ex what so ever but am prepared to explore.
As I stated earlier I am writing to them via email and post but my ex complains that she has to help the children read them, it seems that what ever way I try to contact them she is trying to put blockers on me.
Does she have a computer? If so, you could try either skyping, or instead of writing, record a short video onto CD (which are very cheap these days) and send that - then all she has to do is put the CD in the computer and it will play your video. Keep a record of all conversations and messages - if you try all sorts of alternatives and your ex puts up barriers to them all, then the court will recognise that she's the problem if it goes to court.
As NJ says, mediation is worth a try as the first step.