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Judge ordered supported contact in a centre to reestablish contact after almost a year whilst pursuing additional contact to my original one day per 2 weeks arrangement, to include 3 sessions ahead of next hearing. The first contact both children refused to come into the room (mum obviously wanted to do her bit by looking like she was cooperating and bringing them along). Second session I entered the room after they had settled, watched them play with a Jigsaw from opposite end of the room with their backs turned, then both walked out of room backwards to avoid eye contact with me. Cafcass have said they will not fund any more sessions and we are back in court to discuss alternatives.
In short, I have been alienated from the kids lives over the last 12 months. Both have said they do not wish to have contact and have taken the obvious decision to side with mum, who absolutely hates me for moving on after our separation. They are now 11 and 9. Our relationship was strong prior to her ceasing contact after she received my solicitors letter
What could possibly be suggested as a way of encouraging contact to happen? The cafcass officer has asked me for suggestions but I had hoped she would do this as part of her role?
hi,
i think cafcass may expect you to find your own contact sessions with the kids. its a difficult one. I came across this other thread, where a judge asked the dad to walk away and give the kids some space.
if you do end up doing further contact sessions, are you able to buy the kids gifts, something they would really like?
Yes I was thinking the same - how much do you think I will have to fork out for future sessions? I don't reckon it will be cheap and if mum is going to continue preparing them beforehand and encouraging them not to engage it will be hard to take. I am considering making the suggestion to the court, that my mum be involved and perhaps allow her to attend some supported contact sessions with the kids, with me introduced later on - do you think they may consider this? The children have not only been alienated from me, but also from their grandparents (the children could not provide any reason to CAFCASS for not wanting to see my mum or dad, so surely they should not have any concerns for safety, etc)
I think suggesting involving your parents would be a good idea, I feel so dreadfully sorry for you and your children and hope you can find a way through this.
Best of luck
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