[Solved] Abuse

You could prepare a short position statement to take with you.

You need to say what you agree with and why and mention what the SW has expressed to you and why you disagree with her.

This is likely to end up as a contested hearing.

Thanks Yoda, I agree whole heartedly that she intends to turn it into a contested hearing and whilst it is frustrating that this will delay things further I am following all the good advice and trying to stay calm positive and child focused. Where I am now slightly confused is I have always been told to work with the social worker and follow his instruction and let him do his job as he appears to be on my side so to put it. If I put that to the court regarding the feelings and opinion he has expressed regarding my daughter being coached would I not be undermining him because when I ask why the report does not contain it he says it's not relevant at this time! I do think it's very relevant but the last thing I want to do is be seen as going against him in order to attack my ex. I am really confused all the advice from yourselves has been followed and I feel that's why I am in a better position than most the last thing I want to do is make a mistake by not taking your advice and highlighting it,but at the same time I don't want to put the social worker offside so to speak. I am so confused and am in court Monday so want to be prepared any advice would be thankfully received. Many thanks in advance Steve

I would speak to the SW and ask at what point he considers it is relevant to your case. Yes you want to work with him and you have done all he has asked of you , but in my opinion you should be open with him, remind him that you have worked with him and hope that to continue, but you feel it is time that his reservations about the mother and the coaching of your child are introduced into the case, due to the continuing allegations and obstruction by the mother and the real possibility of a contested hearing. Maybe tell him that you're preparing a brief position statement and want to touch briefly on the conversation you've with him about it. Put it to him that the court may find it odd if this information is only introduced at the last minute.

If it were me I would speak to the SW, but I'd be interested to see what Yoda thinks, having more hands on experience.

Thankyou mojo I did talk to him first thing and explained the advice I had been given. His response was "that is entirely up to you Steve, In my opinion it will only anger her and make her dig her heels in more" that said he went on to say that should she try and use a part of the statement which says" no evidence was found against any party regarding the allegations and it was unclear as to why my daughter at first made the allegations" to support her contention he would then answer with the feelings of the social services and police that she was coached or pressured and asked me to put faith in them as they were supporting my application. His explanation makes sense to me but at the same time confuses me!!!??? I agree with everything that's been said and on here and by him which I did tell him. Whilst everyone is giving good advice and helping I'm still at a loss as to what to do?????????? Any idea anyone?? Thanks in advance Steve

It’s certainly a dilemma... perhaps you could say something like ...

I have every faith in the Children’s case worker, he has given great support to me through a difficult time. I understand that it can be unhelpful to rise to xxxxs continued allegations and objections, but I do think it’s important to recognise that there is possibly an element of pressure/coaching being applied to our child. This has been discussed and taken on board by the other agencies involved.