[Solved] Section 7 & what next

When's your statement due in by Sporadic?

When you say the SW is apologising for his report being a "snapshot of what he has seen" is that apology within the S7?

I think you've got to concentrate on the reasons why he should be allowed to stay with you, rather than hark back to historic incidents, rely on what she has done since the last hearing. You have her own solicitors admission that she is medicating and using alcohol, you have the fact that the SW had also had to speak to her about her drinking.

I would also comment about the fact that he and his sibling have formed a close bond and both go to school together and that it would be wrong to separate them at this point.

Also the fact that there has been police involvement with domestic violence, again fuelled by alcohol, which indicates that the mothers home environment is volatile and that her continuing alcohol use is the catalyst and your biggest worry.

The fact that overnights haven't resumed, you must comment that you would like them to start, but that each time you prepare to progress contact another issue arises that causes you to have to reevaluate the situation, stating that your first priority must be the safety of your son.

I think you should also comment about his distress and his wishes to remain with you, your wife and his sibling....and a little about the stability that your home environment provides for him, how he doing at school and his attendance.

Your statement must be solid and factual, it's important how you come across and a well written statement can make all the difference.

Thanks Mojo,

The statement needs to be done by 20th January. The SW apologised to me directly (he visited and handed me a copy of the S7) but unbeknown to him I recorded the whole conversation and meeting.

So am I right in thinking that because she has attempted suicide before and still relapsed it would not be in my interest to voice my concerns over that? I obviously don't want to drag this on to a contested hearing because I think it would benefit all involved to have some closure on this.

Your advice has been taken on board and appreciated as always.

The next hearing is a dispute resolution, given what is in the S7 report is there a chance that my son could be returned to his mother?

Can I mention that although I do not feel the SW is incompetent I do feel that he has not been thorough enough? Or will that be a negative admission from me? I did tell him that I felt he was very biased towards the mother. His attitude changed then for the better surprisingly enough and was more interested in what i had to say.

You can mention it as a concern, just don't get too bogged down with it... it has been known for the court to consider anything over three months ago as historic, all they want is to move things forward rather than look back....although there would be nothing wrong with mentioning it.

If it looks like the court are considering returning him I would certainly push for a contested hearing and the opportunity to, press the SW in cross examination as he did apologise for his statement and perceived bias.

Now that you have the S7 you can certainly respond directly to the It in your statement. There are ways of wording things that can highlight but not accuse.... suggesting he is biased towards the mother could go either way though...as I said it's all in he wording.