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Hi everyone
An update on how things are going.
My Partner had his 3 x 3 hourly visits. All went great. As next court date not until end Sept Cafcass are to recommend more contact. Cafcass interviewed child and parents separately after last visit and sent out her report. She wrote that child came with notes to their discussion as 'he' claimed he was afraid of what he was going to be asked! He brought up nonsense from last year's contact that went and was going brilliantly till the Mother breached the order, claiming he didn't like the overnight contact last year and that he was scared of me!! He told Cafcass "I just want to see my dad for 3 hours every month. I don't want overnights as I don't like being away from home, I get anxious even when Mum is with me". Cafcass said she does not believe he is being brainwashed (even tho he turned up with pre-written notes) but recommends 2 more contact sessions (because that's all the mother says child is available) between now and Court - 4 hours today and 5 hours next visit. She also recommend 3 more visits after court hearing of a minimum of 5 hours and then at least 4 overnights before considering child spending time with us in Scotland. She even recommended I be at one of the sessions, tho giving child notice of that.
Yesterday my Partner's solicitor got in touch with him to say Mothers solicitor had sent a letter stating contact would remain at 3 hours and no more and if father didn't agree then child said he wasn't coming! They claimed Cafcass lady had emailed the mother before she wrote her report and said she thought contact should be for 3 hours every 10 days till Court. However her report says increasing contact. Cafcass lady is now on holiday for 2 weeks.
My partner gave Cafcass 8 separate dates between now and Court but mother would only agree to 2 dates. Today and 20th September. That's possibly why Cafcass have increased contact coz Mother not sticking to every 10 days.
Contact took place today and child was very tearful and kept looking at his watch. He said to my Partner that he only wanted 3 hours but when asked why, he couldn't answer. He said "I don't care what Cafcass say they've nothing to do with the Courts"!! Does that sound like a 9-year old child? My Partner is really worried about him and said he is completely mashed in the head.
Incidentally, even tho child told Cafcass he didnt like being away from home, he told my Partner during a phone call this week that he's going to Italy next Summer and he's looking forward to it.
We're considering contacting Karen Woodall for advice.
Short answer is possibly yes.....however most courts don't like those words as although we know what's going on here the courts don't want to admit it as its not a recognized problem.
The term they prefert to use is "implacable hostility"
it actually is a form of control...the ex is trying to control the father still.
I spoke with Karen a couple of years ago, got some great information from her but you should be careful now, unfortunately Karen seems to have been blacklisted...Google her as I can't remember the details at present.
Until the ex stops and starts really thinking about the child court will be the only way to break her control
There's also a guy called Brian Cantwell who is a specialist in this area, he is based in the North of England and has been recommended by another member.
Karen had recent problems but I'm not sure what is happening now although she did update her blog on the matter.
Karen was found guilty of malpractice, I'm not sure how this has affected her clinics, I don't think,she has been struck off, but it's obviously had an impact.
Her blog is still a great resource and she is still a recognised expert in this field.
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