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Reporting a concern
It can be difficult to know what to do if you think a child is at risk. It’s important to remember that if you’ve spotted things that don’t seem right, others will have too. Speaking up can make sure that child gets help as soon as possible.
The sooner you contact your local children’s social care duty team, the quicker they can act. They’re available 24 hours a day, and can make an anonymous report if that feels safer. If a child is in immediate danger, please call the police straight away by dialling 999.
Report child abuse or neglect to your local council
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Hello everyone, i am very new to this place but was recommended by a friend. Over 2 years ago me and my partner split up and well it wasnt the cleanest break up but i got back on my feet and am now married. in that time i saw my daughter and step daughter regularly for a great ammount of time, in that time i will admit i wasnt always the best but i was trying to do what i could whilst building a new life. After a few times that i let them down shhe has now blocked completely any way of communicating with her or my children i am willing to accept ive not been the greatest i would just like to see them both again the last time we spoke she told me my step daughters real father will be back in her life (he hasnt seen her since she was 2 months i raised her until me and her mother split)
Hi there
I can understand this from both sides... if you've let the kids down a few times, it's the mother that has to pick up the pieces and deal with their upset and disappointment, which can't be nice for her, or the children.
You could attempt mediation to try and get some agreement in place, but I think you would have to give assurances that you will not let them down again, unless it's a real emergency and can't be helped. If the mother won't agree and mediation fails, the mediator would sign the form to enable you to apply to court for a Child Arrangements Order.
There's lots of info in the stickys at the top of the eagle eagle section, about the court process. A lot of dads here have chosen to self represent with much success, as solicitors are costly.
All the best
Thank you for that ive been looking into Mediation and i believe that will be my next step. I see her frustration yes and i mean she hasnt always made it easy either on occasions but i am willing to admit my let downs i miss them both so much and just need this fixed.
Thank you for taking time to reply.
I hope you can get something sorted, I'm sure she hasn't made it easy for you at times either! Best of luck
I would hope the court would give you a second chance, all I would say is that assuming they do, you need to be very consistent from then on. Good luck 🙂