[Solved] Advice needed ASAP Please

I don't often say it, but I genuinely feel that Sporadic and his son have been let down very badly by the system.

I have been in contact with him and advised stopping all contact and in the first instance, contacting the judge directly to ask for a return, as the final hearing was only a matter of weeks ago. I also advised being prepared to apply for an urgent, no notice Prohibited Steps Order, depending on the judges response. The judge did say that any future problems should go before him, which might be helpful....here's hoping.

I have also advised contacting Social Services and taking it above the SW that dealt with their case, to speak to the senior manager. Getting a letter from the school and any other other evidence available to them and writing to the mother formally to inform her that contact has been suspended.

I sincerely hope that the courts will now take steps to protect this young boy and his paternal family, something that they have failed to do thus far.

All the best to you all

Hi Sporadic

What route did you decide to take? Mojo and I had a discussion yesterday about this. Really hope the court take swift action. If they don't, get that urgent application in asap.

Good luck

Hi Yoda, & thank you for the valuable advice you passed on also.
We have hand delivered a letter to the Judge, he is based in another court this week so we have asked another DJ to look at it. We are waiting for their response. Fully prepared to go down the court route again. Little one needs protecting!
We have a letter from the headteacher and a signed letter stating that Mum was not only acting recklessly but also that she was present in the pub for 6.5 hours, drinking alcohol.

Just a thought - I wonder whether you should suggest supervised contact so that it looks to the court as though you are not being obstructive to contact, might go down well with the court. I would be inclined to get this for as long as possible and even after that, go for supported contact so that handovers are at a contact centre, where someone independent can verify that she is stone cold sober.

Thank you, yes I have been thinking the same. Her solicitor used the argument before that there are 6 month waiting lists for the contact centres around here. She clearly cannot commit to a court order and I am not prepared to put the little one at further risk of harm.

Does your son have a mobile phone? If not, might be worth getting him a small cheap pay as you go phone so he can contact you in an emergency, and keep it secret from his mother - I wouldn't normally encourage someone to keep secrets from the other parent, but in ths case, its for his safeguarding.

He is only 6 so keeping it from her would be difficult. He also probably wouldn't use it wisely. You know what kids and technology are like.
It is an idea though saying that

A simple "burner" phone might be enough, and you could probably lock it down so the only outgoing calls are you and emergency. If you look around, you can pick up basic credit card size phone for about £20 (check it will take a modern sim card) so it's small enough to conceal, and if you can get one with a long standby, then you can charge it when he sees you.

Alternatively, if you do get a smartphone, then something like the life360 app might allow you to keep tabs on where he is.

One other thing, get him to learn your mobile phone number - that way you know that if he goes to the police, or anywhere with a phone, he can contact you.