Press Release.
Grandparents Bid to Protect their Grandchildren.
Now it’s the festive season again how many children will be neglected or abused during all the partying and coming and going. When a child is abused or killed it is a horror story in the media that everybody says “is that not terrible something should be done” but are they asking the authorities if they are using every means of protecting our children? NO! Are they using the army of grandparents that can put a stop to ongoing child abuse if given the chance and costs next to nothing to do the job? NO!
Have you ever thought why society is getting more violent and muggings are on the increase. Why you are afraid to open your door or go out at night.. why you are afraid to phone the police for fear of reprisals. It is because society is turning a blind eye to how our authorities are dealing with the treatment of children.. Children are not getting the love and respect they need to grow up into decent citizens. Think about it when you next see a newspaper that carries a story of old women getting attacked or maybe yourself getting mugged or your house broken into.
The Charter for Grandchildren was created by The Scottish Government but not made legal. It states that when anyone is dealing in the welfare of children the role grandparents play in their lives must be considered more seriously. Not to take over or step on any parents toes, just to be considered more if the children are alone or have been abused or taken into care rather than go to strangers which the social services are famous for just to cut costs.
Grandparents go out of their way in trying to look out for their grandchildren’s welfare but are never recognised for their effort. Social services and the governments are the worst to acknowledge that grandparents are in a better position than any other organisation for early detection of child neglect and abuse and are always willing to put themselves out to accommodate children in a crisis situation.
Please care and help grandparents put a full stop to child abuse this New Year by telling your council that The Charter for Grandchildren should be mandatory for professionals.
Ends
Jimmy Deuchars
Grandparents Apart UK
22 Alness crescent
Glasgow G52 1PJ
0141 882 5658
http://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Stand up for our children, A New Years Resolution.
Baby P died because no one was prepared to stand up for him and put themselves on the line, not Social Services, not the Police, not the NHS doctors who examined him and mysteriously, found nothing wrong! Today, people in care roles are much more interested in caring for themselves, their jobs, promotion, and being "politically correct".
Sadly little children form part of a "social engineering" programme and they are left in potentially dangerous family situations because Social Services has decided that this "right thing to do" and they are "monitoring" the situation. However, with the best will in the world no social worker can be in a home 24 X 7 and when they do visit - it has to be by prior arrangement - they are not permitted to make unscheduled calls and cannot, therefore, report accurately on the true circumstances. However, ignoring the kind of injuries baby P suffered raises other questions. Do they actually look at the children they are supposed to be visiting - do they touch them - are they allowed to see things like the child's bedroom etc? If not, why? (Because they are not trained properly. Jimmy)
There is a strong case for moving more children into temporary foster care - preferably with grandparents or other responsible family members - having first completed the necessary security background checks.
We need to put as much value and care into placing our children in the hands of others as we currently do when boarding out family pets. If you abuse and mistreat a pet - you can go to prison, if you don't care for it properly, you can go to prison. Why we are less concerned, as a nation, about what happens to babies and little children?
Can we make it a New Years Resolution?
Keep up the good work
Penny
Sadly little children form part of a "social engineering" programme and they are left in potentially dangerous family situations because Social Services has decided that this "right thing to do" and they are "monitoring" the situation. However, with the best will in the world no social worker can be in a home 24 X 7 and when they do visit - it has to be by prior arrangement - they are not permitted to make unscheduled calls and cannot, therefore, report accurately on the true circumstances. However, ignoring the kind of injuries baby P suffered raises other questions. Do they actually look at the children they are supposed to be visiting - do they touch them - are they allowed to see things like the child's bedroom etc? If not, why? (Because they are not trained properly. Jimmy)
There is a strong case for moving more children into temporary foster care - preferably with grandparents or other responsible family members - having first completed the necessary security background checks.
We need to put as much value and care into placing our children in the hands of others as we currently do when boarding out family pets. If you abuse and mistreat a pet - you can go to prison, if you don't care for it properly, you can go to prison. Why we are less concerned, as a nation, about what happens to babies and little children?
Can we make it a New Years Resolution?
Keep up the good work
Penny
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Granddaughter snatched from grandmother by social services
Please circulate.,
Granddaughter snatched from grandmother by social services
The 1 year old baby girl was signed over to her by her daughter
Two days before social services got an interim care order. The grandmother took the baby to Fishguard port to travel back to her home in Ireland where the granddaughter was born and where she was already assessed as a suitable carer for 4 months by Irish social services whilst her daughter was in the UK.
The social services got police to stop the grandmother late at night on Thursday evening of last week where they held her and the baby for 6 hours until Yeovil SS arrived. They then snatched the baby from the grandmother and took her into foster care.
The mother is having medical problems and is in and out of hospital and social services stepped in to look after the baby, but due to the prolonged medical condition the mother thought it best the baby went to live with grandmother than go to strangers in foster care.
As the mother travelled to Ireland and had her baby with media coverage. Last week, on the day after they snatched the baby, the social services had a gagging order slapped on the mother so she could not report the story.
We need to get this out into the public domain and help the grandmother obtain custody of the baby in Ireland and out of foster care where is she at risk of emotional harm by not being with her family.
Kind Regards
Angela Wileman
Granddaughter snatched from grandmother by social services
The 1 year old baby girl was signed over to her by her daughter
Two days before social services got an interim care order. The grandmother took the baby to Fishguard port to travel back to her home in Ireland where the granddaughter was born and where she was already assessed as a suitable carer for 4 months by Irish social services whilst her daughter was in the UK.
The social services got police to stop the grandmother late at night on Thursday evening of last week where they held her and the baby for 6 hours until Yeovil SS arrived. They then snatched the baby from the grandmother and took her into foster care.
The mother is having medical problems and is in and out of hospital and social services stepped in to look after the baby, but due to the prolonged medical condition the mother thought it best the baby went to live with grandmother than go to strangers in foster care.
As the mother travelled to Ireland and had her baby with media coverage. Last week, on the day after they snatched the baby, the social services had a gagging order slapped on the mother so she could not report the story.
We need to get this out into the public domain and help the grandmother obtain custody of the baby in Ireland and out of foster care where is she at risk of emotional harm by not being with her family.
Kind Regards
Angela Wileman
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Letters from our files.
Name and address suplied.
Jimmy
Grandparents have wisdom; they are a good confidant for children and a good source of love and protection. I personally think it is time that the Government disbanded Social Care and its Social Workers as they are not acting in the best interests of the child/ren.
The Government pays Social Care for children one hundred million pounds a year I think this would be best spent employing health visitors whom have nursing backgrounds and usually have had children of their own. The Health visitor could identify a dysfunctional family and where necessary can look into extended family and Grandparents for extra care support and accommodation of children.
I think society has forgotten the comfort that a Grandparent can give and I think that if the Government worked on 'Every family Matters' instead of 'every child matters' there would be a lot more unity in family situations. Health Visitors are approachable unlike Social Workers and they can get positive support going in a family environment. There is too much fostering out children and regrettably adoption. I feel by changing their approach the Government could see working benefits for all and the sad case of Baby P would never happen again.
Grandparents need to be listened to more, firstly by their families, secondly to take on a grandchild as and when the need arises.
Get all your supporters to lobby Government. Write to their MPs really kick up a stink on this one. For the sake of family unity the Grandparents voice needs to be heard.
With kindest regards
Christina
Jimmy
Grandparents have wisdom; they are a good confidant for children and a good source of love and protection. I personally think it is time that the Government disbanded Social Care and its Social Workers as they are not acting in the best interests of the child/ren.
The Government pays Social Care for children one hundred million pounds a year I think this would be best spent employing health visitors whom have nursing backgrounds and usually have had children of their own. The Health visitor could identify a dysfunctional family and where necessary can look into extended family and Grandparents for extra care support and accommodation of children.
I think society has forgotten the comfort that a Grandparent can give and I think that if the Government worked on 'Every family Matters' instead of 'every child matters' there would be a lot more unity in family situations. Health Visitors are approachable unlike Social Workers and they can get positive support going in a family environment. There is too much fostering out children and regrettably adoption. I feel by changing their approach the Government could see working benefits for all and the sad case of Baby P would never happen again.
Grandparents need to be listened to more, firstly by their families, secondly to take on a grandchild as and when the need arises.
Get all your supporters to lobby Government. Write to their MPs really kick up a stink on this one. For the sake of family unity the Grandparents voice needs to be heard.
With kindest regards
Christina
Letter from SocialCare Directorate for children.
Children,Young Peopleand SocialCare Directorate
Safer Children, Stronger Families Division
T:0131-2441705 F:0131-244 0978
E: Peter. Hope- Jones@scotland.gsLgov.uk
Mr Jimmy Deuchars
22 Alness Crescent
Glasgow
G521PJ
--~ - ~- -- --- -- - ----------~---
Our ref: 2009/00387290R
22 December 2009
Dear Mr Deuchars
The Scottish
Government
Thank you for your e-mail of 14 December to Beverley Hughes about your concerns about
child neglect. The e-mail was passed to the Scottish Government as this is a devolved
issue, and I have been asked to reply on behalf of Scottish Ministers.
Neglect is a very serious issue which can be every bit as damaging as other forms of abuse. National statistics show that child protection registrations for neglect have increased dramatically since 2001, while registrations for physical harm and sexual abuse have remained roughly consistent. Over this period, the percentage of registrations which were for physical neglect has increased from 31% to 45%.
A large part of the reason for this increase is that awareness of child protection issues generally, and of neglect in particular, is higher both amongst professionals and the public. This is reflected in the continually rising number of child protection referrals. It's also fair to say that professionals are now more ready to treat neglect as a serious child protection issue.
Tackling child neglect is a key priority for the Scottish Government, and we're doing this both by improving provision of child protection services, and by shifting the emphasis towards prevention and early intervention, to deal with issues before they become serious risks.
Our Early Years Framework and the development of Getting it Right for Every Child are the key drivers for this shift, and will help to prevent the chronic neglect which can be so damaging to children and families. You can find out more about them on the Scottish Government website:
http://www.scotland .gov. ukIT opics/PeoplelY oung-People/Early-years-framework
http://www.scotland .gov. ukIT opics/PeoplelY oung-People/child rensservices/g irfec
We're also working to ensure that child protection services across the country are as
effective as possible. We have a robust inter-agency child protection inspection regime, led by HM Inspectorate of Education. The first round of inspections is complete, with every local authority in Scotland visited. This has brought to light some areas with serious weaknesses, and urgent work is being undertaken to improve in these areas. The inspections have also highlighted some areas with excellent services, and where good practice has been identified, we need to ensure that this is built upon and shared with other areas.
We're also currently revising the national child protection procedures. This is being taken forward by a working group made up of leading child protection practitioners and representatives of key professional stakeholder groups from across the country, and includes specific workstreams looking at risk assessment, information sharing and procedures. Effective handling of cases of neglect will be an important part of this work. We intend to publish revised guidance for consultation in Spring 2010.
On the issue of the role of grandparents in providing kinship care and early identification of child protection concerns, I would refer you to previous correspondence. , I hope the above information is helpful, and gives an idea of the work that is underway to treat and prevent child neglect, and I wish you a happy Christmas.
Yours sincerely
Peter Hope-Jones
Child Protection Policy Officer
Safer Children, Stronger Families Division
T:0131-2441705 F:0131-244 0978
E: Peter. Hope- Jones@scotland.gsLgov.uk
Mr Jimmy Deuchars
22 Alness Crescent
Glasgow
G521PJ
--~ - ~- -- --- -- - ----------~---
Our ref: 2009/00387290R
22 December 2009
Dear Mr Deuchars
The Scottish
Government
Thank you for your e-mail of 14 December to Beverley Hughes about your concerns about
child neglect. The e-mail was passed to the Scottish Government as this is a devolved
issue, and I have been asked to reply on behalf of Scottish Ministers.
Neglect is a very serious issue which can be every bit as damaging as other forms of abuse. National statistics show that child protection registrations for neglect have increased dramatically since 2001, while registrations for physical harm and sexual abuse have remained roughly consistent. Over this period, the percentage of registrations which were for physical neglect has increased from 31% to 45%.
A large part of the reason for this increase is that awareness of child protection issues generally, and of neglect in particular, is higher both amongst professionals and the public. This is reflected in the continually rising number of child protection referrals. It's also fair to say that professionals are now more ready to treat neglect as a serious child protection issue.
Tackling child neglect is a key priority for the Scottish Government, and we're doing this both by improving provision of child protection services, and by shifting the emphasis towards prevention and early intervention, to deal with issues before they become serious risks.
Our Early Years Framework and the development of Getting it Right for Every Child are the key drivers for this shift, and will help to prevent the chronic neglect which can be so damaging to children and families. You can find out more about them on the Scottish Government website:
http://www.scotland .gov. ukIT opics/PeoplelY oung-People/Early-years-framework
http://www.scotland .gov. ukIT opics/PeoplelY oung-People/child rensservices/g irfec
We're also working to ensure that child protection services across the country are as
effective as possible. We have a robust inter-agency child protection inspection regime, led by HM Inspectorate of Education. The first round of inspections is complete, with every local authority in Scotland visited. This has brought to light some areas with serious weaknesses, and urgent work is being undertaken to improve in these areas. The inspections have also highlighted some areas with excellent services, and where good practice has been identified, we need to ensure that this is built upon and shared with other areas.
We're also currently revising the national child protection procedures. This is being taken forward by a working group made up of leading child protection practitioners and representatives of key professional stakeholder groups from across the country, and includes specific workstreams looking at risk assessment, information sharing and procedures. Effective handling of cases of neglect will be an important part of this work. We intend to publish revised guidance for consultation in Spring 2010.
On the issue of the role of grandparents in providing kinship care and early identification of child protection concerns, I would refer you to previous correspondence. , I hope the above information is helpful, and gives an idea of the work that is underway to treat and prevent child neglect, and I wish you a happy Christmas.
Yours sincerely
Peter Hope-Jones
Child Protection Policy Officer
Monday, December 21, 2009
Children need grandparents more than ever at Christmas.
Are the administrators of family law doing their best for our children by ignoring that social services often get child welfare wrong and are messing up family of this country?
How many more of our children are to die or be neglected and abused before The Charter for Grandchildren is accepted as the norm. A fortune is spent on all kinds of useless schemes that obviously do not work when we have disasters like Baby P.
Why won’t the powers and social services recognise the fact that grandparents can save the country millions by being relevant persons in a child’s life? They are seldom told their grandchildren are being taken into care and social services refuse them the right to information about their grandchildren’s welfare? What have social services got against grandchildren having their grandparents in a position to put a full stop to child abuse.
We need grandchildren to have their grandparents in a closer role in their lives to spot abuse before a disaster occurs not after. Who better to know what is going on behind closed doors but are not taken seriously?
Jimmy Deuchars
Grandparents Apart UK
22 Alness crescent
Glasgow G52 1PJ
0141 882 5658
http://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
How many more of our children are to die or be neglected and abused before The Charter for Grandchildren is accepted as the norm. A fortune is spent on all kinds of useless schemes that obviously do not work when we have disasters like Baby P.
Why won’t the powers and social services recognise the fact that grandparents can save the country millions by being relevant persons in a child’s life? They are seldom told their grandchildren are being taken into care and social services refuse them the right to information about their grandchildren’s welfare? What have social services got against grandchildren having their grandparents in a position to put a full stop to child abuse.
We need grandchildren to have their grandparents in a closer role in their lives to spot abuse before a disaster occurs not after. Who better to know what is going on behind closed doors but are not taken seriously?
Jimmy Deuchars
Grandparents Apart UK
22 Alness crescent
Glasgow G52 1PJ
0141 882 5658
http://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
Grandparents at Christmas
The magic of Christmas is children are knowing
that Santa is coming with red nose a glowing
And granny and grandpa are coming tomorrow
all for us children, for joy and not sorrow.
Our family is happy, together again
let’s keep joy forever with no woe or pain.
We do love our granny she helps us so much
but granda will tell you, that he’s no soft touch,
But he’s a big softy, and sometimes talks rough
I can get round him. So he’s not so tough.
I love when we’re with them, their so kind to me
We’ll bake cakes and carry, them through for our tea.
My granda plays with me at cricket in the park
we have to watch out, in case it gets dark
for he is not young now and his eyesight’s so dim
we need to take over to make sure he gets in.
We do love our grandee’s whom we see all the time
I feel sorry for children that are not off so fine
God bless this Christmas that children everywhere
will contact their grandparent’s to show that they care.
If your family has problems, make sure you are smart
call Margaret or Jimmy, at Grandparents Apart.
They are good listeners, advice they will give
so children and families in peace can all live
Phone them now, and don’t be late
tell them your story and make a date.
Come to their meetings in the PI
at Govan X is there it doth lie.
Have a good Christmas full of good cheer
May your family be happy this coming new year.
Bless all the children in your house tonight
And pray god looks over you, to keep love abright.
From, A member of Grandparents Apart UK
0141 882 5658
that Santa is coming with red nose a glowing
And granny and grandpa are coming tomorrow
all for us children, for joy and not sorrow.
Our family is happy, together again
let’s keep joy forever with no woe or pain.
We do love our granny she helps us so much
but granda will tell you, that he’s no soft touch,
But he’s a big softy, and sometimes talks rough
I can get round him. So he’s not so tough.
I love when we’re with them, their so kind to me
We’ll bake cakes and carry, them through for our tea.
My granda plays with me at cricket in the park
we have to watch out, in case it gets dark
for he is not young now and his eyesight’s so dim
we need to take over to make sure he gets in.
We do love our grandee’s whom we see all the time
I feel sorry for children that are not off so fine
God bless this Christmas that children everywhere
will contact their grandparent’s to show that they care.
If your family has problems, make sure you are smart
call Margaret or Jimmy, at Grandparents Apart.
They are good listeners, advice they will give
so children and families in peace can all live
Phone them now, and don’t be late
tell them your story and make a date.
Come to their meetings in the PI
at Govan X is there it doth lie.
Have a good Christmas full of good cheer
May your family be happy this coming new year.
Bless all the children in your house tonight
And pray god looks over you, to keep love abright.
From, A member of Grandparents Apart UK
0141 882 5658
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Grandparents Saving Abused Children
Highlighting Child Abuse by NSPCC
When you see the NSPCC advert on the telly about the wee girl in her home suffering from neglect and abuse because her mother is drunk or on drugs. Do you think something should be done to help this child? Well something can be done.
Support our cause and tell your local councillor and MSP.,MP that ‘The Charter for Grandchildren’ should be mandatory for professionals working in the welfare of children. And it won’t cost you a donation. You will be content that you helped save thousands of children from abuse not only at Christmas but for life.
When ‘The Charter for Grandchildren’ is made mandatory for professionals it would give children the right to have the best help their grandparents can offer instead of them being ignored.
The advert is about when a mother is drunk and violent who looks after the children. Who indeed! Even the NSPCC have no idea what is happening until it is too late for these kids because it is going on behind closed doors. The girl is not of school age and the mother because her addiction comes first doesn’t usually have the child at nursery. She only appears, putting on a face for neighbours for short visits to the shops or pub where she brings home like minded strangers that share her addiction often putting her children in grave danger.
We call these children ‘The Forgotten Children’ out of sight out of mind.
The only people who have an inkling of what is going on is grandparents because they have the insight to their families shortcomings and are worried about the kids. Grandparents inform social services about the situation but are told you are interfering and are only making trouble and then ignored. It is criminal not to use every means of protection for children. The cheek of it is, from the media, the social services with their law unto themselves attitude very often get it wrong themselves and the kids suffer for it. We know that grandparents who love their grandchildren are more observant for their safety.
‘The Charter for Grandchildren’
Created by the Scottish Government in 2005
It is important that parents, grandparents and other family members, speak to, and treat each other, with respect. You may not get on, but you can still be civil, for the sake of the children. Try to avoid arguing with or criticising family members in front of the children. It can be very upsetting for them.
On occasions professional organizations such as social work departments or the courts can become involved and may have to make decisions that will have a lasting impact throughout a child’s entire life. In these circumstances it is vital that the loving and supportive role that the wider family, in particular grandparents can play is utilised to the full
FAMILIES ARE IMPORTANT TO CHILDREN
(Grandchildren can expect)
• To be involved with and helped to understand decisions made about their lives.
• To be treated fairly
• To know and maintain contact with their family (except in very exceptional circumstances) and other people who are important to them.
• To know that their grandparents still love them, even if they are not able to see them at the present time.
• To know their family history.
• The adults in their lives to put their needs first and to protect them from disputes between adults - not to use them as weapons in quarrels between adults.
• Social workers , when making assessments about their lives, to take into account the loving and supporting role grandparents can play in their lives.
• The Courts, when making decisions about their lives, to take into account the loving and supporting role grandparents can play in their lives.
• Lawyers and other advisers to encourage relationship counseling or mediation when adults seek advice on matters affecting them and their children.
Along with others, Grandparents Apart UK put a lot of hard work into “The Charter for Grandchildren” by demanding to be heard about the gaps in family law concerning their grandchildren. Why? Because we really do have the best interests of our grandchildren at heart, if it was not for our love of them why would we bother?
The Ten Commandments of Family Law.
(What needs to change for our children’s best interest?)
1, Our motto is “Bringing Families Together” so we think the best
interests of a child starts with Equal parenting when there is no
factually proven reason not to.
2, The ‘Charter for Grandchildren’ to be Mandatory for Professionals
working in Children’s welfare and answerable in law.
3, Children are human beings. Stop treating them as Commodities
like a business deal. Cost only criteria and can ruin children’s lives
4, If adopted, where appropriate, child contact maintained with birth
family in line with article 8 of the UN Convention on the rights of
the child. (Should only be stopped in the worst case scenario)
5, Kinship care before strangers to be the first choice.
6, All below accountable to law.
(a)--..False accusations. (b)-..Erroneous reporting by social
workers. (c)…Flouting of court orders (d) Social Services
Orchestrating “cover up’s”, when children are failed
7, Proper recording of all social work meetings and discussions
E.g. Dual tape recording similar to police proceedings (to prevent
And combat section 6 b+d)
8, More “transparency” and especially “accountability” for Social
work and their managers
9, Specialised training for social workers in the best interests of
children. (Only the most highly experienced social workers to
deal in child protection)
10, Accusations removed from record, when not proven.
Letter to your Member of the Scottish Parliament and or local councillor
Dear;
The Scottish Parliament
Edinburgh
EH99 1SP.
I feel justified in supporting this proposal and would ask you to make it an issue in parliament.
I believe a Scottish government created this Charter and therefore should ensure it’s effectiveness in use.
The Proposal:-
We propose that ‘The Charter for Grandchildren’. The role grandparents can play in their grandchildren’s lives be made mandatory for professionals working in the welfare of children thereby ensuring that the love and protection that grandparents can offer is not wasted as is the case present because grandparents are being told they are irrelevant persons and therefore rarely considered in practice. Being mandatory for professionals would not now be stepping on the toes of any family member.
Adopting this proposal it would send a messaging of encouragement to families about the importance of grandparents and thereby encourage mediation resulting in less court appearances which will then be less trauma on the children and in their best interests.
Failure to implement this proposal tantamount to criminal neglect in not utilising all possible means of protecting children.
I understand this statement will be in total confidence.
Name ……………………………………………………….
Address …………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………….
………………………………….postcode …………………
Phone number ………………………………………………
Email Address ……………………………………………….
(if you have one)
Signature……………………………………………………..
I look forward to your reply.
How to find your Member of the Scottish Parliament
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/cnPages/contactUs.htm
Please address mail to individual concerned.
Contact our telephone enquiry line on 0131 348 5000 or 0800 092 7500 if you have a general question about the Scottish parliament or wish to be put through to a Member of the
Scottish Parliament (MSP) or other office.
Textphone users can contact us on 0800 092 7100.
We also welcome text messages and calls using the RNID Typetalk service
Grandparents Apart UK
Part of Christmas Newsletter 2009.
We are very excited as The Charter for Grandchildren is finally making headway in Glasgow.. With our experience and listening to the government and what is best for children and their families we have put forward a proposal that appears to be acceptable to the local authorities. With the Charter for Grandchildren, grandparents will have all they need to be relevant in their grandchildren’s lives. Counsellor, Ruth Black of Glasgow City Chambers, supported by Bailie Iris Gibson is to raise a motion at a council meeting to have the social services adopt the Charter. Should it succeed in Glasgow then it should set precedence for other authorities in Scotland to adopt it. Wales at the moment is considering it. I have been promoting The Charter for Grandchildren to Gordon Brown and David Cameron but it needs you the constituents to tell your MP that you want the Charter for Grandchildren adopted for England & Wales.
Adopting the Charter will give children the right to have their grandparents considered seriously by professionals, such as social services, or an explanation to the contrary.
All the governments and local authorities say grandparents are very important in children’s lives and it is well known that they are the biggest carer of children in crisis and can be the first for early detection of abuse of children.. So how can they fail to adopt the Charter for Grandchildren especially in this day of rising drug and alcohol problems in families? Grandparents can save the authorities a fortune in child care.
Proposed Additional Rights for Grandparents? Removal of the need to ask a judge for permission to rase a contact action.
Scotland already has the right to raise a court order without asking permission from a court. Having these so called rights is no significant step forward. The best solicitors will tell you the truth and if they say you have no chance, believe them. Contact one of our groups or others for our experiences. In the end “It is the best interests of the child/ren that will win”
A court must be satisfied that your action is in the “best interests of the child” and if you have a case you would get permission anyway. Asking a courts permission to raise an action has been I believe a safety net and saved thousands of grandparents from paying legal fees for cases that would have had very little chance of success. Some of our members in Scotland have spent thousands in legal fees and still have no contact and later felt the legal advice they had received was not to their advantage.
A Grandparents Group in London has flogged the issue for 22 years and we believe this proves that no government will grant grandparents automatic legal rights to their grandchildren. And if they haven’t got the message by now, we have!. What is best for our grandchildren is paramount and compromise is essential.
Fathers in Scotland were up in arms as they were told by Hugh Henry MSP that grandparents would have more rights than they have if the Charter for Grandchildren was made legal. With the rights on the grandchildren’s side via “The Charter for Grandchildren” grandparents will have all they need to be considered seriously in their grandchildren’s best interest.
Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year
Awrabest for 2010
Reg Office:- 22 Alness Crescent, Glasgow, G52 1PJ. 0141 882 5658 www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
When you see the NSPCC advert on the telly about the wee girl in her home suffering from neglect and abuse because her mother is drunk or on drugs. Do you think something should be done to help this child? Well something can be done.
Support our cause and tell your local councillor and MSP.,MP that ‘The Charter for Grandchildren’ should be mandatory for professionals working in the welfare of children. And it won’t cost you a donation. You will be content that you helped save thousands of children from abuse not only at Christmas but for life.
When ‘The Charter for Grandchildren’ is made mandatory for professionals it would give children the right to have the best help their grandparents can offer instead of them being ignored.
The advert is about when a mother is drunk and violent who looks after the children. Who indeed! Even the NSPCC have no idea what is happening until it is too late for these kids because it is going on behind closed doors. The girl is not of school age and the mother because her addiction comes first doesn’t usually have the child at nursery. She only appears, putting on a face for neighbours for short visits to the shops or pub where she brings home like minded strangers that share her addiction often putting her children in grave danger.
We call these children ‘The Forgotten Children’ out of sight out of mind.
The only people who have an inkling of what is going on is grandparents because they have the insight to their families shortcomings and are worried about the kids. Grandparents inform social services about the situation but are told you are interfering and are only making trouble and then ignored. It is criminal not to use every means of protection for children. The cheek of it is, from the media, the social services with their law unto themselves attitude very often get it wrong themselves and the kids suffer for it. We know that grandparents who love their grandchildren are more observant for their safety.
‘The Charter for Grandchildren’
Created by the Scottish Government in 2005
It is important that parents, grandparents and other family members, speak to, and treat each other, with respect. You may not get on, but you can still be civil, for the sake of the children. Try to avoid arguing with or criticising family members in front of the children. It can be very upsetting for them.
On occasions professional organizations such as social work departments or the courts can become involved and may have to make decisions that will have a lasting impact throughout a child’s entire life. In these circumstances it is vital that the loving and supportive role that the wider family, in particular grandparents can play is utilised to the full
FAMILIES ARE IMPORTANT TO CHILDREN
(Grandchildren can expect)
• To be involved with and helped to understand decisions made about their lives.
• To be treated fairly
• To know and maintain contact with their family (except in very exceptional circumstances) and other people who are important to them.
• To know that their grandparents still love them, even if they are not able to see them at the present time.
• To know their family history.
• The adults in their lives to put their needs first and to protect them from disputes between adults - not to use them as weapons in quarrels between adults.
• Social workers , when making assessments about their lives, to take into account the loving and supporting role grandparents can play in their lives.
• The Courts, when making decisions about their lives, to take into account the loving and supporting role grandparents can play in their lives.
• Lawyers and other advisers to encourage relationship counseling or mediation when adults seek advice on matters affecting them and their children.
Along with others, Grandparents Apart UK put a lot of hard work into “The Charter for Grandchildren” by demanding to be heard about the gaps in family law concerning their grandchildren. Why? Because we really do have the best interests of our grandchildren at heart, if it was not for our love of them why would we bother?
The Ten Commandments of Family Law.
(What needs to change for our children’s best interest?)
1, Our motto is “Bringing Families Together” so we think the best
interests of a child starts with Equal parenting when there is no
factually proven reason not to.
2, The ‘Charter for Grandchildren’ to be Mandatory for Professionals
working in Children’s welfare and answerable in law.
3, Children are human beings. Stop treating them as Commodities
like a business deal. Cost only criteria and can ruin children’s lives
4, If adopted, where appropriate, child contact maintained with birth
family in line with article 8 of the UN Convention on the rights of
the child. (Should only be stopped in the worst case scenario)
5, Kinship care before strangers to be the first choice.
6, All below accountable to law.
(a)--..False accusations. (b)-..Erroneous reporting by social
workers. (c)…Flouting of court orders (d) Social Services
Orchestrating “cover up’s”, when children are failed
7, Proper recording of all social work meetings and discussions
E.g. Dual tape recording similar to police proceedings (to prevent
And combat section 6 b+d)
8, More “transparency” and especially “accountability” for Social
work and their managers
9, Specialised training for social workers in the best interests of
children. (Only the most highly experienced social workers to
deal in child protection)
10, Accusations removed from record, when not proven.
Letter to your Member of the Scottish Parliament and or local councillor
Dear;
The Scottish Parliament
Edinburgh
EH99 1SP.
I feel justified in supporting this proposal and would ask you to make it an issue in parliament.
I believe a Scottish government created this Charter and therefore should ensure it’s effectiveness in use.
The Proposal:-
We propose that ‘The Charter for Grandchildren’. The role grandparents can play in their grandchildren’s lives be made mandatory for professionals working in the welfare of children thereby ensuring that the love and protection that grandparents can offer is not wasted as is the case present because grandparents are being told they are irrelevant persons and therefore rarely considered in practice. Being mandatory for professionals would not now be stepping on the toes of any family member.
Adopting this proposal it would send a messaging of encouragement to families about the importance of grandparents and thereby encourage mediation resulting in less court appearances which will then be less trauma on the children and in their best interests.
Failure to implement this proposal tantamount to criminal neglect in not utilising all possible means of protecting children.
I understand this statement will be in total confidence.
Name ……………………………………………………….
Address …………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………….
………………………………….postcode …………………
Phone number ………………………………………………
Email Address ……………………………………………….
(if you have one)
Signature……………………………………………………..
I look forward to your reply.
How to find your Member of the Scottish Parliament
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/cnPages/contactUs.htm
Please address mail to individual concerned.
Contact our telephone enquiry line on 0131 348 5000 or 0800 092 7500 if you have a general question about the Scottish parliament or wish to be put through to a Member of the
Scottish Parliament (MSP) or other office.
Textphone users can contact us on 0800 092 7100.
We also welcome text messages and calls using the RNID Typetalk service
Grandparents Apart UK
Part of Christmas Newsletter 2009.
We are very excited as The Charter for Grandchildren is finally making headway in Glasgow.. With our experience and listening to the government and what is best for children and their families we have put forward a proposal that appears to be acceptable to the local authorities. With the Charter for Grandchildren, grandparents will have all they need to be relevant in their grandchildren’s lives. Counsellor, Ruth Black of Glasgow City Chambers, supported by Bailie Iris Gibson is to raise a motion at a council meeting to have the social services adopt the Charter. Should it succeed in Glasgow then it should set precedence for other authorities in Scotland to adopt it. Wales at the moment is considering it. I have been promoting The Charter for Grandchildren to Gordon Brown and David Cameron but it needs you the constituents to tell your MP that you want the Charter for Grandchildren adopted for England & Wales.
Adopting the Charter will give children the right to have their grandparents considered seriously by professionals, such as social services, or an explanation to the contrary.
All the governments and local authorities say grandparents are very important in children’s lives and it is well known that they are the biggest carer of children in crisis and can be the first for early detection of abuse of children.. So how can they fail to adopt the Charter for Grandchildren especially in this day of rising drug and alcohol problems in families? Grandparents can save the authorities a fortune in child care.
Proposed Additional Rights for Grandparents? Removal of the need to ask a judge for permission to rase a contact action.
Scotland already has the right to raise a court order without asking permission from a court. Having these so called rights is no significant step forward. The best solicitors will tell you the truth and if they say you have no chance, believe them. Contact one of our groups or others for our experiences. In the end “It is the best interests of the child/ren that will win”
A court must be satisfied that your action is in the “best interests of the child” and if you have a case you would get permission anyway. Asking a courts permission to raise an action has been I believe a safety net and saved thousands of grandparents from paying legal fees for cases that would have had very little chance of success. Some of our members in Scotland have spent thousands in legal fees and still have no contact and later felt the legal advice they had received was not to their advantage.
A Grandparents Group in London has flogged the issue for 22 years and we believe this proves that no government will grant grandparents automatic legal rights to their grandchildren. And if they haven’t got the message by now, we have!. What is best for our grandchildren is paramount and compromise is essential.
Fathers in Scotland were up in arms as they were told by Hugh Henry MSP that grandparents would have more rights than they have if the Charter for Grandchildren was made legal. With the rights on the grandchildren’s side via “The Charter for Grandchildren” grandparents will have all they need to be considered seriously in their grandchildren’s best interest.
Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year
Awrabest for 2010
Reg Office:- 22 Alness Crescent, Glasgow, G52 1PJ. 0141 882 5658 www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
Saturday, December 19, 2009
The evil social services
Yes Jimmy I have run it by my MP. You can certainly use this as evidence of
how they work, but given the response to everyone who has tried to reveal
that to the public, I can't see you having much luck. I hate having to say
that, but the facts speak for themselves. This latest "Baby P" case shows
them up for what they are - a good and caring social worker (and God knows
there are too few of those!) is victimised, her name smeared, and loses her
job just to keep the guilty ones in their jobs. I believe we can win in
the end, but it is going to be more of an uphill struggle than a lot of
people realize. Just because good people who REALLY care about children
want it to happen, we expect them to listen to us, but evil and corruption
are more powerful than good. I firmly believe that all it needs for evil to
triumph is for good men - or women - to do nothing, but these fiends are
not going to let their power go easily. We have PROOF POSITIVE that there
is a vendetta against us that social services are determined to win, but
unfortunately nobody wants to know. It's easier to keep the status quo -
even though it means a child carries on suffering.
Enough of the doom and gloom now!! Keep up the good work for children and
grandparents. Maybe one day .......................
Regards
K----
--
To err is human; to really foul things up requires a computer (or a social
worker!!!!!!)
how they work, but given the response to everyone who has tried to reveal
that to the public, I can't see you having much luck. I hate having to say
that, but the facts speak for themselves. This latest "Baby P" case shows
them up for what they are - a good and caring social worker (and God knows
there are too few of those!) is victimised, her name smeared, and loses her
job just to keep the guilty ones in their jobs. I believe we can win in
the end, but it is going to be more of an uphill struggle than a lot of
people realize. Just because good people who REALLY care about children
want it to happen, we expect them to listen to us, but evil and corruption
are more powerful than good. I firmly believe that all it needs for evil to
triumph is for good men - or women - to do nothing, but these fiends are
not going to let their power go easily. We have PROOF POSITIVE that there
is a vendetta against us that social services are determined to win, but
unfortunately nobody wants to know. It's easier to keep the status quo -
even though it means a child carries on suffering.
Enough of the doom and gloom now!! Keep up the good work for children and
grandparents. Maybe one day .......................
Regards
K----
--
To err is human; to really foul things up requires a computer (or a social
worker!!!!!!)
Friday, December 18, 2009
Grandparents are handy for Christmas.
Grandparents come into their own at this time of year for babysitting or while parents go shopping or to parties or for hiding the toys you don’t want the kids to see until Christmas day. Yes they are handy. But remember grandparents are not just for Christmas.
At this time of year alcohol plays a big part in the festive enjoyment of Christmas.
The majority of people use it sensibly, suffer their hangover then put it aside until the next occasion.
Unfortunately some go overboard and make drinking their 24/7. This is the danger time for neglect and abuse of children. Children are at their most vulnerable to strangers coming and going from the house or when parents are catering to party goers. The most dangerous time of all is when they are left on their own to pop round to a neighbour just for a minute. The time flies by and it ends up being for hours.
Believe it or not a lot of children go hungry at this time of year because all the household money is spent on one big drinking spree lasting for weeks..
Always be aware of who comes into your house and check your children regularly.
If you plan a celebration why not ask the grandparents if they could baby-sit for that big occasion, they would be delighted and the children would get to play with their toys and above all be safe, leaving you free to enjoy yourself for at least one night.
So have a safe Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
From
Grandparents Apart UK
22 Alness crescent
Glasgow G52 1PJ
0141 882 5658
http://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
At this time of year alcohol plays a big part in the festive enjoyment of Christmas.
The majority of people use it sensibly, suffer their hangover then put it aside until the next occasion.
Unfortunately some go overboard and make drinking their 24/7. This is the danger time for neglect and abuse of children. Children are at their most vulnerable to strangers coming and going from the house or when parents are catering to party goers. The most dangerous time of all is when they are left on their own to pop round to a neighbour just for a minute. The time flies by and it ends up being for hours.
Believe it or not a lot of children go hungry at this time of year because all the household money is spent on one big drinking spree lasting for weeks..
Always be aware of who comes into your house and check your children regularly.
If you plan a celebration why not ask the grandparents if they could baby-sit for that big occasion, they would be delighted and the children would get to play with their toys and above all be safe, leaving you free to enjoy yourself for at least one night.
So have a safe Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
From
Grandparents Apart UK
22 Alness crescent
Glasgow G52 1PJ
0141 882 5658
http://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
Good letter from one of our grandparents.
Jimmy
Grandparents have wisdom; they are a good confidant for children and a good source of love and protection. I personally think it is time that the Government disbanded Social Care and its Social Workers as they are not acting in the best interests of the child/ren.
The Government pays Social Care for children one hundred million pounds a year I think this would be best spent employing health visitors whom have nursing backgrounds and usually have had children of their own. The Health visitor could identify a dysfunctional family and where necessary can look into extended family and Grandparents for extra care support and accommodation of children.
I think society has forgotten the comfort that a Grandparent can give and I think that if the Government worked on 'Every family Matters' instead of 'every child matters' there would be a lot more unity in family situations. Health Visitors are approachable unlike Social Workers and they can get positive support going in a family environment. There is too much fostering out children and regrettably adoption. I feel by changing their approach the Government could see working benefits for all and the sad case of Baby P would never happen again.
Grandparents need to be listened to more, firstly by their families, secondly to take on a grandchild as and when the need arises.
Get all your supporters to lobby Government. Write to their MPs really kick up a stink on this one. For the sake of family unity the Grandparents voice needs to be heard.
With kindest regards
Christina
Grandparents have wisdom; they are a good confidant for children and a good source of love and protection. I personally think it is time that the Government disbanded Social Care and its Social Workers as they are not acting in the best interests of the child/ren.
The Government pays Social Care for children one hundred million pounds a year I think this would be best spent employing health visitors whom have nursing backgrounds and usually have had children of their own. The Health visitor could identify a dysfunctional family and where necessary can look into extended family and Grandparents for extra care support and accommodation of children.
I think society has forgotten the comfort that a Grandparent can give and I think that if the Government worked on 'Every family Matters' instead of 'every child matters' there would be a lot more unity in family situations. Health Visitors are approachable unlike Social Workers and they can get positive support going in a family environment. There is too much fostering out children and regrettably adoption. I feel by changing their approach the Government could see working benefits for all and the sad case of Baby P would never happen again.
Grandparents need to be listened to more, firstly by their families, secondly to take on a grandchild as and when the need arises.
Get all your supporters to lobby Government. Write to their MPs really kick up a stink on this one. For the sake of family unity the Grandparents voice needs to be heard.
With kindest regards
Christina
Thursday, December 17, 2009
The Uncaring Social services.
Today I received a very disturbing phone call from a sobbing granny who has been refused contact with her grandson. At a contact visit her grandson was crying and wanted to go home with her but social services said it was disruptive to the child to be so upset, (no name was used, just the child) and contact should stop. The Charter for Grandchildren was ignored completely.
The amount of calls of this kind I get from grandparents has created a pattern. It appears social services (SS) make their jobs a lot easier to handle children by breaking their hearts and alienating them from their family. They sever loving relationships and numb their spirit in order to manipulate them and become responsive to their way of working. Society wonders why children who go through the so called caring system of SS are non achievers in life and turn to gangs for that family feeling of being wanted.
Regrettably social services are no longer regarded as a caring organisation. They are but a hard cold business type organisation feared and hated by most people who come in contact with them. Their main driving force is cost.
I would love to be able to say I had a call from someone who said social services helped them the way it was intended from the outset, but I never have. It is a pity that a so called caring organisation has to be forced into doing their job properly.
Glasgow City Council, initiated by Councillor Ruth Black, is to raise a motion sometime early in 2010 asking the City Council to adopt the Charter for Grandchildren as mandatory for professionals. This will ensure that children do not lose out so readily (as in the above case) on the caring protective role grandparents can play in their lives.
Jimmy Deuchars
Grandparents Apart UK
22 Alness crescent
Glasgow G52 1PJ
0141 882 5658
http://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
The amount of calls of this kind I get from grandparents has created a pattern. It appears social services (SS) make their jobs a lot easier to handle children by breaking their hearts and alienating them from their family. They sever loving relationships and numb their spirit in order to manipulate them and become responsive to their way of working. Society wonders why children who go through the so called caring system of SS are non achievers in life and turn to gangs for that family feeling of being wanted.
Regrettably social services are no longer regarded as a caring organisation. They are but a hard cold business type organisation feared and hated by most people who come in contact with them. Their main driving force is cost.
I would love to be able to say I had a call from someone who said social services helped them the way it was intended from the outset, but I never have. It is a pity that a so called caring organisation has to be forced into doing their job properly.
Glasgow City Council, initiated by Councillor Ruth Black, is to raise a motion sometime early in 2010 asking the City Council to adopt the Charter for Grandchildren as mandatory for professionals. This will ensure that children do not lose out so readily (as in the above case) on the caring protective role grandparents can play in their lives.
Jimmy Deuchars
Grandparents Apart UK
22 Alness crescent
Glasgow G52 1PJ
0141 882 5658
http://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Grandparents are left out of the family picture too often
http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/families/article6582689.ece
Grandparents are left out of the family picture too often
When parents separate, grandparents can find themselves cut off from grandchildren with no rights. The law should change
Joan Bakewell
Stage lights sway beside the tall trees in Regents Park theatre on Saturday night, casting a golden glow on Beatrice and her reluctant wooer, Benedick. It was shivering cold, but our hearts were warm, first because of the play, but also because I was there in the company of my grandson. Much Ado had been a set text at school so he got the plot and understood the rude jokes as much as I did. The following morning we were off again, just the two of us, grandma and grandson, heading for the British Library and its exhibition of Henry VIII. Yes, my grandson is already in his teens and enjoys these one-to-one weekends almost as much as I do.
Jimmy and Margaret Deuchars in Glasgow had a fine time with their granddaughters at half-term, too. The two teenagers stayed over in their home and went on outings to Loch Lomond and such, just the sort of treats grandparents enjoy sharing. But in Jimmy and Margaret’s case it hasn’t always been that easy.
The Deuchars lost their daughter to breast cancer only weeks after her second baby was born. Her husband soon married again and moved away to Liverpool. His new family took precedence in his life and the grandparents found contact hard. Their requests to keep in touch came to nothing. They realised that they had lost more than their daughter. But they weren’t willing to accept the situation, and went to court. The laws of this country do not acknowledge any legal relationship between grandparents and grandchildren. However, after a somewhat heated negotiation, the families came to an agreement. In the years that followed they would meet their granddaughters once a month at Carlisle Castle or the Tesco near by. It wasn’t much of a family life, but it would have to do. However, they didn’t stop there.
When I was first a grandparent, about 17 years ago, grandparents didn’t have much of a profile. They were simply bundled in with the general family background and not expected to have much of a role. All that has changed, and people such as Miriam Stoppard are writing delicious books about the joys and rewards, but also about the skills and pitfalls of what I suppose must be called “grand parenting”. Being a grandparent, it seems to me, can be gloriously free of rule books and restrictions. There is only one qualification — parentage — and after that you make it up as you go along.
These days, grandparents are altogether more important in the community of families, a consequence, no doubt, of the fact there are more and more of us — 14 million at last count. The sad thing is that as many as a million of us have lost touch as a result of our children’s divorce or separation. Paternal grandparents are usually the most deprived because women — mothers — are awarded custody of their children in 90 per cent of divorce cases. So the fathers’ parents lose out. A report by the Grandparents Association of an admittedly small sample found that while 55 per cent of grandparents were directly involved in their grandchildren’s care before the separation, 67 per cent found themselves excluded from care afterwards and 42 per cent lost all face-to-face contact.
This is a regrettable situation. But the law — currently the Children Act 1989 — is framed to put the interests of the child foremost. So let’s consider the child’s needs: first the worst-case scenario, there are desperate families where drugs and drink are wrecking the lives of young children. I know of situations where the intervention of a grandparent offers exactly the support that young children need. Less dramatically, 20 per cent of children are growing up in a one-parent family: again the presence of older role models broadens their social horizons.
More positively still, research last year by the University of Oxford in collaboration with the Institute of Education found that “involved grandparents” had a major impact on adolescent wellbeing. The research’s principal investigator, Professor Ann Buchanan, said: “What was especially interesting was the links we found between ‘involved grandparents’ and adolescent wellbeing. Closeness was not enough: only grandparents who got stuck in and did things with their grandchildren had this positive impact on them.”
This is where Jimmy Deuchars comes in again. So distressed were he and Margaret over the struggle to gain access to their granddaughters that they founded Grandparents Apart UK, a support group to help others in the same plight. That was five years ago.
They have seen great improvements. The group consulted with the Scottish Executive to shape a Charter for Grandchildren, which was introduced in Scotland in May 2006.
This says that “on occasions professional organisations such as social work departments or the courts . . . may have to make decisions that will have a lasting impact throughout a child’s life. In these circumstances it is vital in touch with her young grandchildren. She is being refused the easy and regular access she would like. She has written to her MP, Andrew Dismore, of Lab Hendon, who referred it for a reply to Baroness of Dreflin Morgan, the minister responsible for this policy area.
Speaking of Scotland’s Charter for Grandchildren, Lady Morgan wrote: “Although we have no plans to produce a similar document in England, I think it is fair to say that the principles of the charter are already well established through case law, government policy and the Children Act 1989 itself.”
That isn’t enough. A report this week from the Grandparents Association, the Family Matters Institute and Families Need Fathers demonstrates that grandparents have scarcely more rights over their grandchildren than complete strangers. They certainly have fewer than step-parents who, if they have lived with a child for more than three years, have an automatic right of access.
Grandparents who are determined to reach their grandchildren must be prepared to embark on lengthy and sometimes expensive legal proceedings. Given that grandparents are likely to be getting on in years, this isn’t an appropriate action. The law needs to be changed to provide for grandparent access as a right. Nothing less will do.
www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
Grandparents are left out of the family picture too often
When parents separate, grandparents can find themselves cut off from grandchildren with no rights. The law should change
Joan Bakewell
Stage lights sway beside the tall trees in Regents Park theatre on Saturday night, casting a golden glow on Beatrice and her reluctant wooer, Benedick. It was shivering cold, but our hearts were warm, first because of the play, but also because I was there in the company of my grandson. Much Ado had been a set text at school so he got the plot and understood the rude jokes as much as I did. The following morning we were off again, just the two of us, grandma and grandson, heading for the British Library and its exhibition of Henry VIII. Yes, my grandson is already in his teens and enjoys these one-to-one weekends almost as much as I do.
Jimmy and Margaret Deuchars in Glasgow had a fine time with their granddaughters at half-term, too. The two teenagers stayed over in their home and went on outings to Loch Lomond and such, just the sort of treats grandparents enjoy sharing. But in Jimmy and Margaret’s case it hasn’t always been that easy.
The Deuchars lost their daughter to breast cancer only weeks after her second baby was born. Her husband soon married again and moved away to Liverpool. His new family took precedence in his life and the grandparents found contact hard. Their requests to keep in touch came to nothing. They realised that they had lost more than their daughter. But they weren’t willing to accept the situation, and went to court. The laws of this country do not acknowledge any legal relationship between grandparents and grandchildren. However, after a somewhat heated negotiation, the families came to an agreement. In the years that followed they would meet their granddaughters once a month at Carlisle Castle or the Tesco near by. It wasn’t much of a family life, but it would have to do. However, they didn’t stop there.
When I was first a grandparent, about 17 years ago, grandparents didn’t have much of a profile. They were simply bundled in with the general family background and not expected to have much of a role. All that has changed, and people such as Miriam Stoppard are writing delicious books about the joys and rewards, but also about the skills and pitfalls of what I suppose must be called “grand parenting”. Being a grandparent, it seems to me, can be gloriously free of rule books and restrictions. There is only one qualification — parentage — and after that you make it up as you go along.
These days, grandparents are altogether more important in the community of families, a consequence, no doubt, of the fact there are more and more of us — 14 million at last count. The sad thing is that as many as a million of us have lost touch as a result of our children’s divorce or separation. Paternal grandparents are usually the most deprived because women — mothers — are awarded custody of their children in 90 per cent of divorce cases. So the fathers’ parents lose out. A report by the Grandparents Association of an admittedly small sample found that while 55 per cent of grandparents were directly involved in their grandchildren’s care before the separation, 67 per cent found themselves excluded from care afterwards and 42 per cent lost all face-to-face contact.
This is a regrettable situation. But the law — currently the Children Act 1989 — is framed to put the interests of the child foremost. So let’s consider the child’s needs: first the worst-case scenario, there are desperate families where drugs and drink are wrecking the lives of young children. I know of situations where the intervention of a grandparent offers exactly the support that young children need. Less dramatically, 20 per cent of children are growing up in a one-parent family: again the presence of older role models broadens their social horizons.
More positively still, research last year by the University of Oxford in collaboration with the Institute of Education found that “involved grandparents” had a major impact on adolescent wellbeing. The research’s principal investigator, Professor Ann Buchanan, said: “What was especially interesting was the links we found between ‘involved grandparents’ and adolescent wellbeing. Closeness was not enough: only grandparents who got stuck in and did things with their grandchildren had this positive impact on them.”
This is where Jimmy Deuchars comes in again. So distressed were he and Margaret over the struggle to gain access to their granddaughters that they founded Grandparents Apart UK, a support group to help others in the same plight. That was five years ago.
They have seen great improvements. The group consulted with the Scottish Executive to shape a Charter for Grandchildren, which was introduced in Scotland in May 2006.
This says that “on occasions professional organisations such as social work departments or the courts . . . may have to make decisions that will have a lasting impact throughout a child’s life. In these circumstances it is vital in touch with her young grandchildren. She is being refused the easy and regular access she would like. She has written to her MP, Andrew Dismore, of Lab Hendon, who referred it for a reply to Baroness of Dreflin Morgan, the minister responsible for this policy area.
Speaking of Scotland’s Charter for Grandchildren, Lady Morgan wrote: “Although we have no plans to produce a similar document in England, I think it is fair to say that the principles of the charter are already well established through case law, government policy and the Children Act 1989 itself.”
That isn’t enough. A report this week from the Grandparents Association, the Family Matters Institute and Families Need Fathers demonstrates that grandparents have scarcely more rights over their grandchildren than complete strangers. They certainly have fewer than step-parents who, if they have lived with a child for more than three years, have an automatic right of access.
Grandparents who are determined to reach their grandchildren must be prepared to embark on lengthy and sometimes expensive legal proceedings. Given that grandparents are likely to be getting on in years, this isn’t an appropriate action. The law needs to be changed to provide for grandparent access as a right. Nothing less will do.
www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Letter to David Cameron
14th December, 2009
Mr. David Cameron MP,
House of Commons,
LONDON.
SW1A 0AA
Dear Mr.Cameron,
We believe that if elected you intend to remove the need to crave the courts permission when grandparents seek access to their grandchildren. You will be aware that we are already in that position in Scottish law.
In our 10 years of experience dealing with grandparents who have been denied contact we have found that because there is no need to have the court decide if there is a valid case, too many solicitors take a case on when it doesn’t meet the required criteria i.e. the best interest of the child. We have many members who have been dissatisfied with the advice of solicitors shown by a questionnaire we sent to our members where 44.3% thought they were given bad or wrong advice by a solicitor. There is a danger that solicitors are thinking of the income from the case rather than the validity of the case, costing our members many thousands of pounds with unsuccessful outcomes. We fear this will happen in England if this goes ahead and suggest preventative steps should be taken to avoid this..
We have found that mediation, education for grandparents and bridge-building have been much more successful and much less expensive or traumatic for all involved, particularly the children. We have been asking for family education to try to prevent this for future generations rather than trying to ease the problem after it has occurred.
We believe that Equal Parenting, with both mother and father sharing parental rights and responsibilities, is in the best interest of the child. This would eliminate the possessive use of one parent using a child as a weapon or bargaining tool against the other. Children could then have access to and contact with both sets of grandparents and would not lose out on the support and love of extended family members. This is a particular concern where contact between the generations has been frequent up to the point when parents separate and children suffer the loss of contact with their parent or grandparents.
Any family has their ups and downs, but when the children are the priority and using common sense, most are able to sort things out without turning to courts etc. We would like to see investment in Family Information and Education Centres with Mediation, Counselling and Education all over the country to help families before problems escalate. Parenting education is becoming more necessary as many families have been divided by current policies and too often parents don’t know what to do for the best. How to make a decent meal, how to interact with their child or how their actions affect their child. Starting in schools would be essential.
Grandparenting is a new role for many and our education programme on how to be a grandparent has helped hundreds of families get back together again.
Children denied contact with a parent or grandparent generally learns selfishness; they are not taught compromise or negotiating skills. This simply compounds the problem for future generations.
We put our faith in the “Charter for Grandchildren” (copy enclosed) which focuses on the best interests of the child and the supportive role grandparents can play in the children’s lives. The Charter was created with our input by the then Scottish Executive in 2006 to accompany the Family Law Act (Scotland) 2006. Responsibility for following its guidance has been passed to local authorities so that professionals dealing with the welfare of children are reminded that grandparents are important to children. Continued contact with grandparents can be an important safety net for children when families have drug or alcohol problems. The NSPCC say that one child every week dies of neglect.
Children are growing up to have no pride in themselves, no sense of self worth and turning to drugs or crime to find ‘a family’ of similar friends. What does the future hold for these children and young adults if we don’t help them now?
Clearly there are occasions when contact with grandparents or extended family isn't appropriate for safety reasons and we fully support that situation.
Yours sincerely,
Jimmy Deuchars
Grandparents Apart UK
22 Alness crescent
Glasgow G52 1PJ
0141 882 5658
http://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
Mr. David Cameron MP,
House of Commons,
LONDON.
SW1A 0AA
Dear Mr.Cameron,
We believe that if elected you intend to remove the need to crave the courts permission when grandparents seek access to their grandchildren. You will be aware that we are already in that position in Scottish law.
In our 10 years of experience dealing with grandparents who have been denied contact we have found that because there is no need to have the court decide if there is a valid case, too many solicitors take a case on when it doesn’t meet the required criteria i.e. the best interest of the child. We have many members who have been dissatisfied with the advice of solicitors shown by a questionnaire we sent to our members where 44.3% thought they were given bad or wrong advice by a solicitor. There is a danger that solicitors are thinking of the income from the case rather than the validity of the case, costing our members many thousands of pounds with unsuccessful outcomes. We fear this will happen in England if this goes ahead and suggest preventative steps should be taken to avoid this..
We have found that mediation, education for grandparents and bridge-building have been much more successful and much less expensive or traumatic for all involved, particularly the children. We have been asking for family education to try to prevent this for future generations rather than trying to ease the problem after it has occurred.
We believe that Equal Parenting, with both mother and father sharing parental rights and responsibilities, is in the best interest of the child. This would eliminate the possessive use of one parent using a child as a weapon or bargaining tool against the other. Children could then have access to and contact with both sets of grandparents and would not lose out on the support and love of extended family members. This is a particular concern where contact between the generations has been frequent up to the point when parents separate and children suffer the loss of contact with their parent or grandparents.
Any family has their ups and downs, but when the children are the priority and using common sense, most are able to sort things out without turning to courts etc. We would like to see investment in Family Information and Education Centres with Mediation, Counselling and Education all over the country to help families before problems escalate. Parenting education is becoming more necessary as many families have been divided by current policies and too often parents don’t know what to do for the best. How to make a decent meal, how to interact with their child or how their actions affect their child. Starting in schools would be essential.
Grandparenting is a new role for many and our education programme on how to be a grandparent has helped hundreds of families get back together again.
Children denied contact with a parent or grandparent generally learns selfishness; they are not taught compromise or negotiating skills. This simply compounds the problem for future generations.
We put our faith in the “Charter for Grandchildren” (copy enclosed) which focuses on the best interests of the child and the supportive role grandparents can play in the children’s lives. The Charter was created with our input by the then Scottish Executive in 2006 to accompany the Family Law Act (Scotland) 2006. Responsibility for following its guidance has been passed to local authorities so that professionals dealing with the welfare of children are reminded that grandparents are important to children. Continued contact with grandparents can be an important safety net for children when families have drug or alcohol problems. The NSPCC say that one child every week dies of neglect.
Children are growing up to have no pride in themselves, no sense of self worth and turning to drugs or crime to find ‘a family’ of similar friends. What does the future hold for these children and young adults if we don’t help them now?
Clearly there are occasions when contact with grandparents or extended family isn't appropriate for safety reasons and we fully support that situation.
Yours sincerely,
Jimmy Deuchars
Grandparents Apart UK
22 Alness crescent
Glasgow G52 1PJ
0141 882 5658
http://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
Sunday, December 13, 2009
ONE NEGLECTED BRITISH CHILD DIES EVERY WEEK
This is unbelievable and criminal neglect for authorities not to utilise the army of grandparents willing to help put a full stop to this neglect. The authorities should be ashamed of themselves over this.
It is well known that grandparents because of their unique relationship are first class for early detection of neglect and child abuse but they are routinely being ignored by social services as irrelevent persons in children's lives.
The Charter for Grandchildren when adopted will ensure children have the right to the best protection their grandparents can offer.
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/145733/One-neglected-British-child-dies-every-week-
Sunday December 13,2009
By Lucy Johnston
ONE neglected child is dying every week, a shocking study has revealed.
The report also shows that the same “failures and deficiencies” behind the tragic deaths are being repeated despite a string of high profile abuse cases, including baby Peter.
Carried out by Ofsted, the inquiry examined the deaths of 174 children known or believed to have occurred as a result of abuse or neglect during 2008 and 2009.
It linked neglect to the deaths of 50 children last year – nearly one child every week.
The figures are being highlighted today as part of a joint Sunday Express and NSPCC crusade to ensure child neglect becomes a political priority in the run-up to the next election. Most cases involved children under five and 24 were killed by a parent or carer.
Some were smothered, abused or drowned, while others died of malnourishment or thirst.
Diana Sutton, a spokeswoman for the NSPCC said: “Every day thousands of children in the UK are left without basic care or attention by neglectful parents.
“Neglect eats away at a child’s well-being and emotional health in a surprisingly short time. Children simply can’t wait for years to see whether things get better.”
Michael Gove, Shadow Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, said: “After the baby Peter tragedy, the public expected a government who would take steps to improve child protection.
“But these figures show how far we have to go and underline the vital importance of reforming social work.”
Entitled Learning Lessons from Serious Case Reviews, the Ofsted report concluded: “The most common risk factor in the cases reviewed was neglect.” It also found the same local council failures behind the deaths were being repeated time and again. The Sunday Express and NSPCC crusade, called Protect Our Children For All Their Sakes, aims to highlight the extent of child neglect in Britain.
Last month we revealed that 123 children died between 2005 and 2007, many partly or largely caused by neglect.
One of them was Peter Connelly, who died aged 17 months in 2007 with more than 50 injuries received at the hands of his mother, Tracey Connelly, and her boyfriend, Steven Barker.
In another case just weeks ago, an Edinburgh woman was jailed for a year after she subjected two children to a lifetime of cruelty.
The woman pleaded guilty at Edinburgh Crown Court to ill-treating and abandoning the brother and sister, now nine and 11, between 1998 and 2005.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Grandparents saving abused children.
“The Forgotten Children” 2
Grandparents being ignored by social services is allowing abuse of children to go on behind closed doors. (Out of sight out of mind). We must put an end to this criminal apathy which is world wide.
By their unique relationship grandparents are the favourites for early detection of child abuse but children are being deprived of their protection. The “Charter for Grandchildren” would ensure that grandparents are at least listened to or an explanation to the contrary.
Being ignored by professional’s like social services that work in the welfare of children is a very common complaint that we hear so often from heartbroken Grandparents and their grandchildren. We experience rejection day in and day out. Every time we read a story like the one below or that grandparents could have saved a child from abuse if they were listened to, we get so angry.
When we try to reason with the abusers we get cut off and even court orders are taken out to stop us contacting them at all. As last reluctant desperate attempt to save a child from abuse, we report it to social services who tell us we are just being vindictive, and are irrelevant persons. The attitude that comes across is they don’t want to know. Is it because it means work for them or the money is not allocated to rescue these forgotten children. Criminal apathy.
As the “Charter for Grandchildren” is now the local authority’s responsibility Glasgow City Counsellor Ruth Black has not hesitated n responding to our pleas. Ruth said at a meeting with Grandparents Apart UK that she would raise a motion at a Council sitting early in the new year to have the “Charter for Grandchildren” adopted by professionals under Glasgow’s authority .
N.B. The Charter for Grandchildren gives the children the right to have considered seriously the role that grandparents can play in their in their lives rather than automatic rejection. Full version can be found on www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
Grandmother of slain teen says she repeatedly called the state child abuse hotline
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/12/grandmother_of_slain_teen_says.html
By Michelle Cole, The Oregonian
December 10, 2009, 6:10PM
‘The Charter for Grandchildren’
It is important that parents, grandparents and other family members, speak to, and treat each other, with respect. You may not get on, but you can still be civil, for the sake of the children. Try to avoid arguing with or criticising family members in front of the children. It can be very upsetting for them.
On occasions professional organizations such as social work departments or the courts can become involved and may have to make decisions that will have a lasting impact throughout a child’s entire life. In these circumstances it is vital that the loving and supportive role that the wider family, in particular grandparents can play is utilised to the full
FAMILIES ARE IMPORTANT TO CHILDREN
(Grandchildren can expect)
• To be involved with and helped to understand decisions made about their lives.
• To be treated fairly
• To know and maintain contact with their family (except in very exceptional circumstances) and other people who are important to them.
• To know that their grandparents still love them, even if they are not able to see them at the present time.
• To know their family history.
• The adults in their lives to put their needs first and to protect them from disputes between adults - not to use them as weapons in quarrels between adults.
• Social workers , when making assessments about their lives, to take into account the loving and supporting role grandparents can play in their lives.
• The Courts, when making decisions about their lives, to take into account the loving and supporting role grandparents can play in their lives.
• Lawyers and other advisers to encourage relationship counseling or mediation when adults seek advice on matters affecting them and their children.
Along with others, Grandparents Apart UK put a lot of hard work into “The Charter for Grandchildren” by demanding to be heard about the gaps in family law concerning their grandchildren. Why? Because we really do have the best interests of our grandchildren at heart, if it was not for our love of them why would we bother?
The Forgotten Children’
‘The Forgotten Children’ suffering abuse in alcoholic or drug affected homes where no-one, not even members of that family can gain access or know of the neglect or abuse until it reaches the front pages of the media as another child murder.
Why don’t the governments listen to the people who are capable of doing something about it. Why are the governments ignoring the Early intervention that grandparents are best at to save these children from permanent harm.
Quote from a letter from the Government child protection team.
“ Ministers are very aware of the important role that grandparents can play in the development of our young people. It is critical that children are given the right support and, where necessary, protection if we are to ensure their development into confident individuals and effective contributors in our society”.
“It is important that anyone who has concerns about a child's wellbeing should report it. Friends and family members are often best placed to identify where a child may be placed at risk. Any grandparent who has a child protection concern about their grandchild should raise concerns with relevant local agencies”
Words! Words! Words! are all we ever read or hear, a well worn record that comes back from the ministers when we write to them. It goes on and on and never acted upon. It is the duty of a government to protect children from abuse but the government by having the main rescuers (grandparents) excluded is failing in this responsibility.
The governments refuse to act on their own findings and that of children’s organisations that grand parents are often best placed to know their own families faults and addictions to prevent tragedies. But! They are not important enough in the governments eyes to be relevant in children’s lives..
Non Relevant Persons. (We don’t need to talk to you) Is the label slapped on grandparents whenever the social services, courts or professionals who deal with children are questioned about the children’s welfare.
The dilemma faced by thousands of grandparents every day when they suspect a child is being abused is.
!, Do I report it to social services? If I do, will I be the first to lose contact with the children as we are told we are only trying to cause trouble and cut off at the slightest excuse?.
2, If I approach the parents, will they get a court order banning me from the children leaving them alone in their nightmare to carry on being abused.
3, Do I say nothing give in to the parents blackmail and try to ease the suffering to the children in my own way. The fear is, if I wait, will something really terrible happen?
Jimmy Deuchars
Grandparents Apart UK
22 Alness crescent
Glasgow G52 1PJ
0141 882 5658
Grandparents being ignored by social services is allowing abuse of children to go on behind closed doors. (Out of sight out of mind). We must put an end to this criminal apathy which is world wide.
By their unique relationship grandparents are the favourites for early detection of child abuse but children are being deprived of their protection. The “Charter for Grandchildren” would ensure that grandparents are at least listened to or an explanation to the contrary.
Being ignored by professional’s like social services that work in the welfare of children is a very common complaint that we hear so often from heartbroken Grandparents and their grandchildren. We experience rejection day in and day out. Every time we read a story like the one below or that grandparents could have saved a child from abuse if they were listened to, we get so angry.
When we try to reason with the abusers we get cut off and even court orders are taken out to stop us contacting them at all. As last reluctant desperate attempt to save a child from abuse, we report it to social services who tell us we are just being vindictive, and are irrelevant persons. The attitude that comes across is they don’t want to know. Is it because it means work for them or the money is not allocated to rescue these forgotten children. Criminal apathy.
As the “Charter for Grandchildren” is now the local authority’s responsibility Glasgow City Counsellor Ruth Black has not hesitated n responding to our pleas. Ruth said at a meeting with Grandparents Apart UK that she would raise a motion at a Council sitting early in the new year to have the “Charter for Grandchildren” adopted by professionals under Glasgow’s authority .
N.B. The Charter for Grandchildren gives the children the right to have considered seriously the role that grandparents can play in their in their lives rather than automatic rejection. Full version can be found on www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
Grandmother of slain teen says she repeatedly called the state child abuse hotline
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/12/grandmother_of_slain_teen_says.html
By Michelle Cole, The Oregonian
December 10, 2009, 6:10PM
‘The Charter for Grandchildren’
It is important that parents, grandparents and other family members, speak to, and treat each other, with respect. You may not get on, but you can still be civil, for the sake of the children. Try to avoid arguing with or criticising family members in front of the children. It can be very upsetting for them.
On occasions professional organizations such as social work departments or the courts can become involved and may have to make decisions that will have a lasting impact throughout a child’s entire life. In these circumstances it is vital that the loving and supportive role that the wider family, in particular grandparents can play is utilised to the full
FAMILIES ARE IMPORTANT TO CHILDREN
(Grandchildren can expect)
• To be involved with and helped to understand decisions made about their lives.
• To be treated fairly
• To know and maintain contact with their family (except in very exceptional circumstances) and other people who are important to them.
• To know that their grandparents still love them, even if they are not able to see them at the present time.
• To know their family history.
• The adults in their lives to put their needs first and to protect them from disputes between adults - not to use them as weapons in quarrels between adults.
• Social workers , when making assessments about their lives, to take into account the loving and supporting role grandparents can play in their lives.
• The Courts, when making decisions about their lives, to take into account the loving and supporting role grandparents can play in their lives.
• Lawyers and other advisers to encourage relationship counseling or mediation when adults seek advice on matters affecting them and their children.
Along with others, Grandparents Apart UK put a lot of hard work into “The Charter for Grandchildren” by demanding to be heard about the gaps in family law concerning their grandchildren. Why? Because we really do have the best interests of our grandchildren at heart, if it was not for our love of them why would we bother?
The Forgotten Children’
‘The Forgotten Children’ suffering abuse in alcoholic or drug affected homes where no-one, not even members of that family can gain access or know of the neglect or abuse until it reaches the front pages of the media as another child murder.
Why don’t the governments listen to the people who are capable of doing something about it. Why are the governments ignoring the Early intervention that grandparents are best at to save these children from permanent harm.
Quote from a letter from the Government child protection team.
“ Ministers are very aware of the important role that grandparents can play in the development of our young people. It is critical that children are given the right support and, where necessary, protection if we are to ensure their development into confident individuals and effective contributors in our society”.
“It is important that anyone who has concerns about a child's wellbeing should report it. Friends and family members are often best placed to identify where a child may be placed at risk. Any grandparent who has a child protection concern about their grandchild should raise concerns with relevant local agencies”
Words! Words! Words! are all we ever read or hear, a well worn record that comes back from the ministers when we write to them. It goes on and on and never acted upon. It is the duty of a government to protect children from abuse but the government by having the main rescuers (grandparents) excluded is failing in this responsibility.
The governments refuse to act on their own findings and that of children’s organisations that grand parents are often best placed to know their own families faults and addictions to prevent tragedies. But! They are not important enough in the governments eyes to be relevant in children’s lives..
Non Relevant Persons. (We don’t need to talk to you) Is the label slapped on grandparents whenever the social services, courts or professionals who deal with children are questioned about the children’s welfare.
The dilemma faced by thousands of grandparents every day when they suspect a child is being abused is.
!, Do I report it to social services? If I do, will I be the first to lose contact with the children as we are told we are only trying to cause trouble and cut off at the slightest excuse?.
2, If I approach the parents, will they get a court order banning me from the children leaving them alone in their nightmare to carry on being abused.
3, Do I say nothing give in to the parents blackmail and try to ease the suffering to the children in my own way. The fear is, if I wait, will something really terrible happen?
Jimmy Deuchars
Grandparents Apart UK
22 Alness crescent
Glasgow G52 1PJ
0141 882 5658
Ignored Grandmother tried to report abuse.
Grandmother of slain teen says she repeatedly called the state child abuse hotline
By Michelle Cole, The Oregonian
December 10, 2009, 6:10PM
Lane County JailAngela McAnulty, 41. Victim's mother.The step-grandmother of a 16-year-old Eugene girl who police say was abused and tortured before her death on Wednesday says she repeatedly called a state child abuse hotline, trying to get someone to check on the teenager.
According to court documents, Jeanette Maples' death "came in the course of, or as a result of intentional maiming and torture." Her mother, Angela McAnulty, 41, and stepfather, Richard McAnulty, 40, appeared in court Thursday to face aggravated murder charges.
Thursday afternoon, Dr. Bruce Goldberg, director of the Oregon Department of Human Services, ordered an internal investigation into caseworkers' contact with the family.
Lynn McAnulty, Richard's mother, was technically Maples' step-grandmother but said "we took her in as if she was our own."
Several months ago, McAnulty said she became concerned about the teenager. Maples had Lane County JailRichard McAnulty, 40a split and swollen lip, she said. "And it looked like somebody had taken a fist and yanked her hair."
She asked about the girl's swollen lip. " 'Fallen down' is what they told me," she said.
Urged by a friend, McAnulty said she called the state child abuse hotline. She said she made several calls, each time making anonymous reports. She was uncertain when she started making the calls but it was several months ago.
She didn't give her name, McAnulty said, "because I didn't want to lose contact with my grandchildren."
McAnulty lives in Walterville, on the McKenzie Highway six miles east of Springfield.
In terrible hindsight, McAnulty said she should have called police. But she just wanted someone to check on the girl and she thought child welfare officials would do that.
Gene Evans, a Human Services spokesman, could not provide any details on the child abuse hotline calls. One of the purposes of the investigation is to find out what happened, he said.
Whenever a child known to state child welfare officials dies or is seriously injured, Oregon law requires the Department of Human Services to convene a critical incident response team to comb through the agency's files and contacts with the family.
Such reviews are somewhat unusual. The death or injury of a child has triggered 24 similar reviews since Gov. Ted Kulongoski called for more scrutiny and accountability of the child welfare system in 2004.
Detectives worked through the night Wednesday and Thursday afternoon to determine what happened to Maples.
The Lane County district attorney and medical examiner are working on the case. A cause of death has not been released.
Two younger children in the home were taken into protective custody.
A Lane County Sheriff official said the girl was taken by ambulance from her home in the 150 block of Howard Avenue at 8 p.m. Wednesday.
A caller to 9-1-1 told dispatchers that a person there was not breathing. Maples was pronounced dead at the hospital a short time later.
Staff writer Stuart Tomlinson also contributed to this report.
Michelle Cole
By Michelle Cole, The Oregonian
December 10, 2009, 6:10PM
Lane County JailAngela McAnulty, 41. Victim's mother.The step-grandmother of a 16-year-old Eugene girl who police say was abused and tortured before her death on Wednesday says she repeatedly called a state child abuse hotline, trying to get someone to check on the teenager.
According to court documents, Jeanette Maples' death "came in the course of, or as a result of intentional maiming and torture." Her mother, Angela McAnulty, 41, and stepfather, Richard McAnulty, 40, appeared in court Thursday to face aggravated murder charges.
Thursday afternoon, Dr. Bruce Goldberg, director of the Oregon Department of Human Services, ordered an internal investigation into caseworkers' contact with the family.
Lynn McAnulty, Richard's mother, was technically Maples' step-grandmother but said "we took her in as if she was our own."
Several months ago, McAnulty said she became concerned about the teenager. Maples had Lane County JailRichard McAnulty, 40a split and swollen lip, she said. "And it looked like somebody had taken a fist and yanked her hair."
She asked about the girl's swollen lip. " 'Fallen down' is what they told me," she said.
Urged by a friend, McAnulty said she called the state child abuse hotline. She said she made several calls, each time making anonymous reports. She was uncertain when she started making the calls but it was several months ago.
She didn't give her name, McAnulty said, "because I didn't want to lose contact with my grandchildren."
McAnulty lives in Walterville, on the McKenzie Highway six miles east of Springfield.
In terrible hindsight, McAnulty said she should have called police. But she just wanted someone to check on the girl and she thought child welfare officials would do that.
Gene Evans, a Human Services spokesman, could not provide any details on the child abuse hotline calls. One of the purposes of the investigation is to find out what happened, he said.
Whenever a child known to state child welfare officials dies or is seriously injured, Oregon law requires the Department of Human Services to convene a critical incident response team to comb through the agency's files and contacts with the family.
Such reviews are somewhat unusual. The death or injury of a child has triggered 24 similar reviews since Gov. Ted Kulongoski called for more scrutiny and accountability of the child welfare system in 2004.
Detectives worked through the night Wednesday and Thursday afternoon to determine what happened to Maples.
The Lane County district attorney and medical examiner are working on the case. A cause of death has not been released.
Two younger children in the home were taken into protective custody.
A Lane County Sheriff official said the girl was taken by ambulance from her home in the 150 block of Howard Avenue at 8 p.m. Wednesday.
A caller to 9-1-1 told dispatchers that a person there was not breathing. Maples was pronounced dead at the hospital a short time later.
Staff writer Stuart Tomlinson also contributed to this report.
Michelle Cole
Thursday, December 10, 2009
A Woman's Open Letter to Women Who Lie
This Christmas, all across America, are untold thousands of children who will be spending the holiday in misery. Why? Because their fathers aren't allowed to see them due to incarceration or parole/probation or therapy that forbids contact. These are men (almost exclusively) that are victims of lies and a court system that is anything but just and fair.
We're not talking about true sex offenders (SO's) or true perpetrators of domestic violence (DV). To be fair, women are actually more apt to be the perps in DV cases, but male-hating feminists have convinced lawmakers and the courts that women and children are incapable of lying in DV and SO prosecutions. The problem is that they DO lie. They DO ruin lives. What's is so scary is that they can do so so very easily. The system is now set up so that if a phone call is made accusing a man of SO or DV, they are history. A defendant will spend every dime on an attorney who 'specializes' in these kinds of cases; they are led on until a trial time is nearing, then suddenly the attorney wants more money or, if he refuses to take a plea, more charges will be added. Ninety-six percent of cases never go to trial. Why would someone cop a plea if they're innocent? When you're looking at life in prison on a first offense, your attorney says your judge is biased, you don't want to drag your children through court (if they are involved), a jury doesn't want to look soft on child molesters, you aren't allowed to produce evidence of your innocence, and your funds have dried up, you're gonna cop a plea - guaranteed.
Why would anyone lie like this? How could they blithely lie through their teeth and get away with it? How do they live with themselves? (1) Jealousy, vindictiveness, spite - 'hell hath no fury...' right? An acrimonious divorce where the woman wants the kids to have no contact with their father, and any number of other reasons...it's just too easy. (2) There is a large part of a generation lacking any empathy, compassion, love, forgiveness, or heart. They live their lives in hatred and fear and are, unfortunately, passing those traits onto their own children. (3) Very comfortably, apparently. Could you look yourself in the mirror, knowing what you've done? Not only to an innocent person, but his family - EVERYONE who loves him is affected, especially the children who face a lifetime of vigilantism, scorn, ridicule, embarrassment, hopelessness, loss of self-esteem, loss of a beloved parent and on and on and on.
Estimates range from 2% to over 75% of how many men have been falsely accused and wrongly convicted of domestic violence or a sex offense. The 2% number is what you'll find on a victims' rights or VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) site. Feminists would have you believe women and children are incapable of lying and they have convinced lawmakers this is so. The figures 50-75% are closer to the truth. There are no numbers and in some states, such as ours, a person convicted (usually by a coerced plea) is forbidden to proclaim innocence to anyone or face more time.
The public seems to have no idea any of this is going on - especially regarding sex offenders. Only 5% of those forced to register can be considered dangerous to children. They think everyone on there is a predator (a name wisely chosen by those who support these laws) and baby raper. This simply isn't true. Most are registered because of laws that have broadened so far as to include victimless crimes and sex between adults (prostitution). Chances are if you have offenders in your neighborhood, they didn't molest any children.
A word to defense attorneys: Shame on you for masquerading as someone a scared, naive young man can trust. You lead them on, take their hard-earned money and that from their desperate families, all the while reassuring them you know what you're doing, then, at the last minute, you coerce them into taking pleas. They learned in school that our court system is supposedly honest and fair and you know damn good and well it's not. How do you think they feel as they watch you laughing and joking with their prosecutor in court? Pleas are win/win for both of you. Quite a scam you all have going. Thousands of dollars for doing absolutely nothing. Do your mothers know what you do? I'll bet not, as it would make them as sick as it makes me.
Merry Christmas.
Joni
We're not talking about true sex offenders (SO's) or true perpetrators of domestic violence (DV). To be fair, women are actually more apt to be the perps in DV cases, but male-hating feminists have convinced lawmakers and the courts that women and children are incapable of lying in DV and SO prosecutions. The problem is that they DO lie. They DO ruin lives. What's is so scary is that they can do so so very easily. The system is now set up so that if a phone call is made accusing a man of SO or DV, they are history. A defendant will spend every dime on an attorney who 'specializes' in these kinds of cases; they are led on until a trial time is nearing, then suddenly the attorney wants more money or, if he refuses to take a plea, more charges will be added. Ninety-six percent of cases never go to trial. Why would someone cop a plea if they're innocent? When you're looking at life in prison on a first offense, your attorney says your judge is biased, you don't want to drag your children through court (if they are involved), a jury doesn't want to look soft on child molesters, you aren't allowed to produce evidence of your innocence, and your funds have dried up, you're gonna cop a plea - guaranteed.
Why would anyone lie like this? How could they blithely lie through their teeth and get away with it? How do they live with themselves? (1) Jealousy, vindictiveness, spite - 'hell hath no fury...' right? An acrimonious divorce where the woman wants the kids to have no contact with their father, and any number of other reasons...it's just too easy. (2) There is a large part of a generation lacking any empathy, compassion, love, forgiveness, or heart. They live their lives in hatred and fear and are, unfortunately, passing those traits onto their own children. (3) Very comfortably, apparently. Could you look yourself in the mirror, knowing what you've done? Not only to an innocent person, but his family - EVERYONE who loves him is affected, especially the children who face a lifetime of vigilantism, scorn, ridicule, embarrassment, hopelessness, loss of self-esteem, loss of a beloved parent and on and on and on.
Estimates range from 2% to over 75% of how many men have been falsely accused and wrongly convicted of domestic violence or a sex offense. The 2% number is what you'll find on a victims' rights or VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) site. Feminists would have you believe women and children are incapable of lying and they have convinced lawmakers this is so. The figures 50-75% are closer to the truth. There are no numbers and in some states, such as ours, a person convicted (usually by a coerced plea) is forbidden to proclaim innocence to anyone or face more time.
The public seems to have no idea any of this is going on - especially regarding sex offenders. Only 5% of those forced to register can be considered dangerous to children. They think everyone on there is a predator (a name wisely chosen by those who support these laws) and baby raper. This simply isn't true. Most are registered because of laws that have broadened so far as to include victimless crimes and sex between adults (prostitution). Chances are if you have offenders in your neighborhood, they didn't molest any children.
A word to defense attorneys: Shame on you for masquerading as someone a scared, naive young man can trust. You lead them on, take their hard-earned money and that from their desperate families, all the while reassuring them you know what you're doing, then, at the last minute, you coerce them into taking pleas. They learned in school that our court system is supposedly honest and fair and you know damn good and well it's not. How do you think they feel as they watch you laughing and joking with their prosecutor in court? Pleas are win/win for both of you. Quite a scam you all have going. Thousands of dollars for doing absolutely nothing. Do your mothers know what you do? I'll bet not, as it would make them as sick as it makes me.
Merry Christmas.
Joni
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Thank God for Grandparents
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/grandparents-are-rescuing-our-children/story-e6freuy9-1225802565273
Grandparents are rescuing our children
A GENERATION of children lost in the system is being raised by grandparents because their parents are unfit to look after them.
The state's top Children's Court judge, Mark Marien, said society should thank God for grandparents, who have become the backbone of the state's care system.
"The court is indebted to them," Judge Marien said yesterday. "They put themselves forward because it is in the best interests of the child."
The growth has led NSW Community Services to start to keep separate figures for grandparents.
There are now 3200 children and young people - almost one quarter of all those in out-of-home care - being looked after by their grandparents, step-grandparents and even great-grandparents.
"They are decent people trying to sort out the mess the families get themselves into," Judge Marien said in his first interview since taking over six months ago as Children's Court president.
He said that if the court had to remove a child from its parents, the best place for them was with a family member.
"Often it is the case that the grandparents will put themselves forward," the former District Court judge said.
They step in because of abuse, neglect, domestic violence, mental health problems or because the parents are in jail, Judge Marien said. "A lot of grandparents regard it as a responsibility that they have," he said.
In a revolution for children's justice, Judge Marien is calling for the court to be given its own status separate from the Local Courts. He wants permanent, specialised magistrates instead of those on loan from the local courts for three-year stints.
There are now 15 Children's Court magistrates, after two fresh appointments by the NSW Government.
Judge Marien plans to send magistrates out on circuit to sit on childcare cases around the state for the first time.
Care cases involving NSW Community Services and juvenile criminal cases are currently heard outside Sydney by local court magistrates, with the Children's Court called on to help on an ad hoc basis only if the court lists become too long.
"The best way to serve the children of NSW is to have specialist children's magistrates who have a background and an interest in this kind of work," Judge Marien said.
"(It would) reflect the specialist nature of the court and the importance of the decisions the court makes."
As well as more than 14,000 care cases a year - compared with only 6660 ten years ago - the court hears serious criminal cases that would see an adult dealt with in the Supreme Court and which would attract jail sentences of 20 years.
Judge Marien is the first judge to be appointed head of the Children's Court, a position traditionally filled by a magistrate, following recommendations by former judge James Wood in his inquiry into the state's crumbling child protection services last year.
Mr Wood identified grandparents as one of the fastest-growing areas of out-of-home care.
The court's budget of $6.68 million includes an extra $2 million a year to implement recommendations by the Wood inquiry, including the two new magistrates and four extra registrars.
Attorney-General John Hatzistergos has organised discussion about Judge Marien's suggestions.
Grandparents are rescuing our children
A GENERATION of children lost in the system is being raised by grandparents because their parents are unfit to look after them.
The state's top Children's Court judge, Mark Marien, said society should thank God for grandparents, who have become the backbone of the state's care system.
"The court is indebted to them," Judge Marien said yesterday. "They put themselves forward because it is in the best interests of the child."
The growth has led NSW Community Services to start to keep separate figures for grandparents.
There are now 3200 children and young people - almost one quarter of all those in out-of-home care - being looked after by their grandparents, step-grandparents and even great-grandparents.
"They are decent people trying to sort out the mess the families get themselves into," Judge Marien said in his first interview since taking over six months ago as Children's Court president.
He said that if the court had to remove a child from its parents, the best place for them was with a family member.
"Often it is the case that the grandparents will put themselves forward," the former District Court judge said.
They step in because of abuse, neglect, domestic violence, mental health problems or because the parents are in jail, Judge Marien said. "A lot of grandparents regard it as a responsibility that they have," he said.
In a revolution for children's justice, Judge Marien is calling for the court to be given its own status separate from the Local Courts. He wants permanent, specialised magistrates instead of those on loan from the local courts for three-year stints.
There are now 15 Children's Court magistrates, after two fresh appointments by the NSW Government.
Judge Marien plans to send magistrates out on circuit to sit on childcare cases around the state for the first time.
Care cases involving NSW Community Services and juvenile criminal cases are currently heard outside Sydney by local court magistrates, with the Children's Court called on to help on an ad hoc basis only if the court lists become too long.
"The best way to serve the children of NSW is to have specialist children's magistrates who have a background and an interest in this kind of work," Judge Marien said.
"(It would) reflect the specialist nature of the court and the importance of the decisions the court makes."
As well as more than 14,000 care cases a year - compared with only 6660 ten years ago - the court hears serious criminal cases that would see an adult dealt with in the Supreme Court and which would attract jail sentences of 20 years.
Judge Marien is the first judge to be appointed head of the Children's Court, a position traditionally filled by a magistrate, following recommendations by former judge James Wood in his inquiry into the state's crumbling child protection services last year.
Mr Wood identified grandparents as one of the fastest-growing areas of out-of-home care.
The court's budget of $6.68 million includes an extra $2 million a year to implement recommendations by the Wood inquiry, including the two new magistrates and four extra registrars.
Attorney-General John Hatzistergos has organised discussion about Judge Marien's suggestions.
You only have the tip of a serious iceberg
Dear James
Thank you for the email. You only have the tip of a serious iceberg that
began to develop in 1986. To understand the development you have to look at
the training of children in the handling of emotions. You only learn to
handle and understand emotions by experiencing them. Many children are going
though the school system and becoming young adults without experiencing the
depth of emotion that many children experienced prior to 1986.
Look at how a young child handles unpleasant emotion. It handles it by
hitting out. Part of its education is to learn to inhibit the hitting out.
Many young adults now have no comprehension of what unpleasant emotion is and
they react very badly the first time they meet it. This has resulted in the
depths of teenagers from knives and guns.
Prior to circa 1986 a bullied child could get home from school safely by
running from one group of adults to another. Now that option is no longer
available. Many Adults avoid children and because of the present law cannot
exercise the duty of care that the law requires adults exercise towards
children. If an adult sees a child being bullied they walk in the opposite
direction. This has resulted in many children arming themselves with weapons
to protect themselves from other children. This weapons end up in being used.
Prior to 1986 Adults were around to offer help to children who were suffering
emotional problems. This in return protected children from some of the
emotional abuse that well meaning parents presented to children.
After 1986 more and more adults avoided children who suffering emotional
problems. This has resulted in children's deaths from suicide that would not
have existed prior to 1986.
The safeguarding children's policy was brought in with good intentions but now
has created a situation where parents who are running into difficulties and
thus badly need to obtain help are too scared to talk to anyone about their
lack of parenting skills in case they get hauled before the courts.
The fear people have of being branded something they are not if they talk to
children has resulted in a lack of detection of areas that would 20 years ago
generated concern and offers of help.
It has also resulted in counselors telling parents that they ought not be told
anything because they would have to report what they hear to the police which
would result in a worse situation than what already existed.
The Baby P situation is the result of its caretakers lacking skills in
handling a demanding child. If child P's caretakers reported their lack of
ability to the social worker they would have been taken to court. So they
keep quiet and hide their problems from the social worker. What is needed is
for child P's caretakers to be able to report their problems and for someone
to work with them to help them handle the difficulties that baby P presented
to them. Prior to 1986 this could have been done. Baby P may well been still
alive under the conditions that existed in 1986. Now it can only result in
death.
A social worker has a caseload of 50 or more cases. Each case generates
paperwork which has to done according to the necessary department rules which
takes time.
I leave you to do your own research into this serious subject.
John
Thank you for the email. You only have the tip of a serious iceberg that
began to develop in 1986. To understand the development you have to look at
the training of children in the handling of emotions. You only learn to
handle and understand emotions by experiencing them. Many children are going
though the school system and becoming young adults without experiencing the
depth of emotion that many children experienced prior to 1986.
Look at how a young child handles unpleasant emotion. It handles it by
hitting out. Part of its education is to learn to inhibit the hitting out.
Many young adults now have no comprehension of what unpleasant emotion is and
they react very badly the first time they meet it. This has resulted in the
depths of teenagers from knives and guns.
Prior to circa 1986 a bullied child could get home from school safely by
running from one group of adults to another. Now that option is no longer
available. Many Adults avoid children and because of the present law cannot
exercise the duty of care that the law requires adults exercise towards
children. If an adult sees a child being bullied they walk in the opposite
direction. This has resulted in many children arming themselves with weapons
to protect themselves from other children. This weapons end up in being used.
Prior to 1986 Adults were around to offer help to children who were suffering
emotional problems. This in return protected children from some of the
emotional abuse that well meaning parents presented to children.
After 1986 more and more adults avoided children who suffering emotional
problems. This has resulted in children's deaths from suicide that would not
have existed prior to 1986.
The safeguarding children's policy was brought in with good intentions but now
has created a situation where parents who are running into difficulties and
thus badly need to obtain help are too scared to talk to anyone about their
lack of parenting skills in case they get hauled before the courts.
The fear people have of being branded something they are not if they talk to
children has resulted in a lack of detection of areas that would 20 years ago
generated concern and offers of help.
It has also resulted in counselors telling parents that they ought not be told
anything because they would have to report what they hear to the police which
would result in a worse situation than what already existed.
The Baby P situation is the result of its caretakers lacking skills in
handling a demanding child. If child P's caretakers reported their lack of
ability to the social worker they would have been taken to court. So they
keep quiet and hide their problems from the social worker. What is needed is
for child P's caretakers to be able to report their problems and for someone
to work with them to help them handle the difficulties that baby P presented
to them. Prior to 1986 this could have been done. Baby P may well been still
alive under the conditions that existed in 1986. Now it can only result in
death.
A social worker has a caseload of 50 or more cases. Each case generates
paperwork which has to done according to the necessary department rules which
takes time.
I leave you to do your own research into this serious subject.
John
Monday, December 7, 2009
Grandparents can prevent childe abuse at Christmas.
The misuse of drug and alcohol over the Christmas period is the time of year where the neglect and abuse of children can be extreme. Going to constant parties can leave children unprotected and vulnerable to strangers that wander from house to house.
The social services are overworked at this time of year and they take grandparents love and unique relationship with their families for granted and know they rarely refuse to take their grandchildren in a crisis situation.
“The Charter for Grandchildren” should be made mandatory for professionals to observe and recognise grandparents as essential in children’s lives for early detection of abuse not only at Christmas but the whole year through.
Grandparents can and do save children from abuse.
Jimmy Deuchars
Grandparents Apart UK
22 Alness crescent
Glasgow G52 1PJ
0141 882 5658
http://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
The social services are overworked at this time of year and they take grandparents love and unique relationship with their families for granted and know they rarely refuse to take their grandchildren in a crisis situation.
“The Charter for Grandchildren” should be made mandatory for professionals to observe and recognise grandparents as essential in children’s lives for early detection of abuse not only at Christmas but the whole year through.
Grandparents can and do save children from abuse.
Jimmy Deuchars
Grandparents Apart UK
22 Alness crescent
Glasgow G52 1PJ
0141 882 5658
http://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
Charter for Grandchildren and The National Assembly of Wales,
For the petition to be mentioned at all in the Assembly of Wales is an achievement in itself, but for the sake of all grandchildren we feel as an organisation we must continue to advance the thinking as far as protection is concerned and try to end the continuous use of children as weapons in battles for power and revenge by parent against parent and by parent or parents against grandparents.
As the letter from the Assembly which was contained in your attachment made reference to the “Charter for Grandchildren” adopted by the Scottish Parliament I would like to add the Scottish Government created this charter and passed the responsibility on to local authorities. .
We are very excited that “The Charter for Grandchildren” is finally making headway in Glasgow. They are getting it right. With their experience listening to the government, knowing what is best for children and their families they have put forward a proposal that appears to be acceptable to the local authorities. With the Charter for Grandchildren, grandparents will have all they need to be relevant in their grandchildren’s lives. Counsellor, Ruth Black of Glasgow City Chambers, is to raise a motion at a council meeting to have the social services adopt the Charter. Should it succeed in Glasgow then it will set a precedence for other authorities in Scotland to adopt it and it is hoped that Wales and the rest of the UK will follow their example.
All the governments and local authorities say grandparents are very important in children’s lives and it is well known that they are the biggest carer of children in crisis and can be the first for early detection of abuse of children.. So how can governments fail to adopt the Charter for Grandchildren in this day of rising drug and alcohol problems in families? Grandparents save the authorities a fortune in child care. Adopting the Charter will give children the right to have their grandparents considered seriously by professionals, such as social services, or other Children’s Agencies. Just imagine the additional contribution they can make.
It is my experience that grandparents have no enforceable rights in law and many have spent thousands of pounds to have Court Orders issued in their favour only to be dismissed and ignored by the parent, causing them much anguish and pain and left with the dilemma of just what to do to move forward, and at what expense while their grandchildren suffer the emotional stress and pain.
Grandparents do not wish to interfere with the laws of the land they just wish to be recognised by the children’s agencies and to be part of the proceedings that relate to their grandchildren. It is recognised by governments how much grandparents contribute to the welfare of the country so why can their grandchildren not have their charter and that charter made mandatory to the children agencies.
Finally although the committee the deputy assures the committee of the Welsh Government values relating to the rights of grandparents in terms of their contract and she cited contact, care, education and broader development of grandchildren’s welfare.
Well regretfully this just does not happen in many cases in Wales and it is to this end that families suffer.
Kind regards
Frank
Frank Bradfield, Grandchildren Apart Wales, 14 Amalfi Court, Craig-y-Don Parade, Llandudno. LL30 1BH.
Telephone No 01492 874 395
Frank
As the letter from the Assembly which was contained in your attachment made reference to the “Charter for Grandchildren” adopted by the Scottish Parliament I would like to add the Scottish Government created this charter and passed the responsibility on to local authorities. .
We are very excited that “The Charter for Grandchildren” is finally making headway in Glasgow. They are getting it right. With their experience listening to the government, knowing what is best for children and their families they have put forward a proposal that appears to be acceptable to the local authorities. With the Charter for Grandchildren, grandparents will have all they need to be relevant in their grandchildren’s lives. Counsellor, Ruth Black of Glasgow City Chambers, is to raise a motion at a council meeting to have the social services adopt the Charter. Should it succeed in Glasgow then it will set a precedence for other authorities in Scotland to adopt it and it is hoped that Wales and the rest of the UK will follow their example.
All the governments and local authorities say grandparents are very important in children’s lives and it is well known that they are the biggest carer of children in crisis and can be the first for early detection of abuse of children.. So how can governments fail to adopt the Charter for Grandchildren in this day of rising drug and alcohol problems in families? Grandparents save the authorities a fortune in child care. Adopting the Charter will give children the right to have their grandparents considered seriously by professionals, such as social services, or other Children’s Agencies. Just imagine the additional contribution they can make.
It is my experience that grandparents have no enforceable rights in law and many have spent thousands of pounds to have Court Orders issued in their favour only to be dismissed and ignored by the parent, causing them much anguish and pain and left with the dilemma of just what to do to move forward, and at what expense while their grandchildren suffer the emotional stress and pain.
Grandparents do not wish to interfere with the laws of the land they just wish to be recognised by the children’s agencies and to be part of the proceedings that relate to their grandchildren. It is recognised by governments how much grandparents contribute to the welfare of the country so why can their grandchildren not have their charter and that charter made mandatory to the children agencies.
Finally although the committee the deputy assures the committee of the Welsh Government values relating to the rights of grandparents in terms of their contract and she cited contact, care, education and broader development of grandchildren’s welfare.
Well regretfully this just does not happen in many cases in Wales and it is to this end that families suffer.
Kind regards
Frank
Frank Bradfield, Grandchildren Apart Wales, 14 Amalfi Court, Craig-y-Don Parade, Llandudno. LL30 1BH.
Telephone No 01492 874 395
Frank
Sunday, December 6, 2009
A Canny Granda.
A man in Scotland calls his son in Bath the day before Christmas Eve and says, 'I hate to ruin your day, but I have to tell you that your mother and I are divorcing; forty five years of misery are enough.'…..
'Dad, what are you talking about?' the son screams.
'We can't stand the sight of each other any longer' the father says. 'We're sick of each other and I'm sick of talking about this, so you call your brother in Leeds and tell him'
Frantic, the son calls his brother, who explodes on the phone. 'Like hell they're getting divorced' he shouts, 'I'll take care of this.'
He calls Scotland immediately and screams at his father, 'You are NOT getting divorced. Don't do a single thing until I get there. I'm calling my brother back and we'll both be there tomorrow. Until then don't do a thing, DO YOU HEAR ME?' and hangs up.
The old man hangs up his phone and turns to his wife. 'Okay,' he says, 'They're coming for Christmas - and they're paying their own way.
'Dad, what are you talking about?' the son screams.
'We can't stand the sight of each other any longer' the father says. 'We're sick of each other and I'm sick of talking about this, so you call your brother in Leeds and tell him'
Frantic, the son calls his brother, who explodes on the phone. 'Like hell they're getting divorced' he shouts, 'I'll take care of this.'
He calls Scotland immediately and screams at his father, 'You are NOT getting divorced. Don't do a single thing until I get there. I'm calling my brother back and we'll both be there tomorrow. Until then don't do a thing, DO YOU HEAR ME?' and hangs up.
The old man hangs up his phone and turns to his wife. 'Okay,' he says, 'They're coming for Christmas - and they're paying their own way.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Can you attend a meeting in February in Glasgow
Dear All,
The gentleman below is writing a book on family law and is coming over from Canada on the dates he has stated below. I have said I will meet him to be interviewed and he is looking for others to interview. Could you be available as I think it will be beneficial to us all to take part? Please let myself know so we can get together and make it a day we can remember.
Jimmy Deuchars
I have booked my tickets and will be in Glasgow Feb 12-15th. Please
let me know if you think that will be long enough to complete the
interviews. Please let me know how many and when they are available,
so a schedule can be set up. I will probably be staying downtown around
George or Jamaica st. Also, if there is anyone in Edinburgh or North
of Glasgow, let me know.
Dr. Robert A. Kenedy
Associate Professor
Department of Sociology
Faculty of Liberal Arts
and Professional Studies
124 Winters College
York University
Toronto, Ontario M3J 1P3
CANADA
rkenedy@yorku.ca
416 736-2100 ext. 77458
FAX 416 736-5715
The gentleman below is writing a book on family law and is coming over from Canada on the dates he has stated below. I have said I will meet him to be interviewed and he is looking for others to interview. Could you be available as I think it will be beneficial to us all to take part? Please let myself know so we can get together and make it a day we can remember.
Jimmy Deuchars
I have booked my tickets and will be in Glasgow Feb 12-15th. Please
let me know if you think that will be long enough to complete the
interviews. Please let me know how many and when they are available,
so a schedule can be set up. I will probably be staying downtown around
George or Jamaica st. Also, if there is anyone in Edinburgh or North
of Glasgow, let me know.
Dr. Robert A. Kenedy
Associate Professor
Department of Sociology
Faculty of Liberal Arts
and Professional Studies
124 Winters College
York University
Toronto, Ontario M3J 1P3
CANADA
rkenedy@yorku.ca
416 736-2100 ext. 77458
FAX 416 736-5715
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Social Work! Pay rises for failure.
Let's see if I have this right - a child is horribly abused and murdered by his mother; investigation shows that government social workers and social agencies who were responsible for this situation were totally incompetent and negligent in their duty - so these very same social workers get a pay raise. Right - sounds perfectly logical to me. Now if it had been a father who had abused and murdered his child under similar circumstances then the social workers would have ..... (I leave it to the reader to fill in the blank.)
Social workers to be given pay rises in wake of Baby P scandal
By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 1:05 PM on 01st December 2009
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1232268/Social-workers-given-pay-rises-wake-Baby-P-scandal.html#ixzz0YRfQkUM9
The reforms are an attempt to transform the demoralised profession following the Baby P tragedy
Social workers will receive pay rises under sweeping reforms announced today in an attempt to transform the demoralised and over-stretched profession following the Baby P tragedy.
Higher pay for the most experienced frontline staff is proposed and workers will need a licence to practise.
New social workers will be guaranteed extra support for their first year of work, but will then need to pass an assessment to earn the licence which they can only keep by sticking to a professional code of conduct.
Under the reforms employers will be obliged to provide high quality supervision, ensure workloads are manageable and give staff time for professional development.
Children's Secretary Ed Balls and Health Secretary Andy Burnham today accepted recommendations in the final report from a Government-appointed social work taskforce which is published today.
The report also recommends the creation of a new National College of Social Work - independent of government - to act as the voice of the profession.
Mr Balls said he would push for the college to be given Royal status as quickly as possible, becoming the first Royal College of Social Work.
The pay of social workers will also be reviewed to ensure wages are appropriate and reflect each person's career development.
Ministers launched the social work taskforce in January to carry out a comprehensive review of the profession in England in the wake of the failings exposed by Baby Peter's death.
In July it published an interim report which painted a picture of over-burdened social workers who feel undervalued and whose training often fails to prepare them properly for the demands of the job.
Social work is struggling to hold its own as a 'durable, attractive' profession, with widespread staff shortages 'seriously compromising' the quality of frontline services, the report said.
The taskforce also highlighted the absence of a single body responsible for promoting the profession and improving standards.
The package announced today also includes:
reforming social work training to ensure all graduates and newly qualified social workers are of a high calibre;
ensuring universities raise the bar for social work degrees with a practice-based masters qualification aimed at keeping the skills and specialist knowledge of all social workers up to date;
creating a new campaign to improve the public understanding of social work;
developing a new system to help employers to better plan and forecast the demand and workload of their social workers.
A Social Work Reform Board will be set up to work alongside the Government to take forward today's recommendations.
An implementation plan will be outlined early next year which will include setting out how the reforms will be resourced and what changes will be needed to legislate.
Moira Gibb, chairwoman of the social work taskforce, has accepted the role of chairwoman of the reform board.
She will launch the taskforce's final report at a press conference today alongside Mr Balls and Mr Burnham.
Today's announcement follows the £58million Social Work Transformation Fund for children's social work announced in May this year.
More than 30,000 people expressed an interest in becoming a social worker after a recruitment campaign fronted by celebrities including Goldie and Samantha Morton.
The Government is investing £109m in the social work workforce over the next two years.
Baby Peter Connelly was just 17-months-old when he died in August 2007 at the hands of his mother, Tracey Connelly, her lover, Steven Barker and their lodger, Jason Owen.
He had suffered 50 injuries despite receiving 60 visits from social workers, doctors and police over the final eight months of his life.
A series of reviews identified missed opportunities when officials could have saved the little boy's life if they had acted properly on the warning signs in front of them.
Social workers to be given pay rises in wake of Baby P scandal
By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 1:05 PM on 01st December 2009
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1232268/Social-workers-given-pay-rises-wake-Baby-P-scandal.html#ixzz0YRfQkUM9
The reforms are an attempt to transform the demoralised profession following the Baby P tragedy
Social workers will receive pay rises under sweeping reforms announced today in an attempt to transform the demoralised and over-stretched profession following the Baby P tragedy.
Higher pay for the most experienced frontline staff is proposed and workers will need a licence to practise.
New social workers will be guaranteed extra support for their first year of work, but will then need to pass an assessment to earn the licence which they can only keep by sticking to a professional code of conduct.
Under the reforms employers will be obliged to provide high quality supervision, ensure workloads are manageable and give staff time for professional development.
Children's Secretary Ed Balls and Health Secretary Andy Burnham today accepted recommendations in the final report from a Government-appointed social work taskforce which is published today.
The report also recommends the creation of a new National College of Social Work - independent of government - to act as the voice of the profession.
Mr Balls said he would push for the college to be given Royal status as quickly as possible, becoming the first Royal College of Social Work.
The pay of social workers will also be reviewed to ensure wages are appropriate and reflect each person's career development.
Ministers launched the social work taskforce in January to carry out a comprehensive review of the profession in England in the wake of the failings exposed by Baby Peter's death.
In July it published an interim report which painted a picture of over-burdened social workers who feel undervalued and whose training often fails to prepare them properly for the demands of the job.
Social work is struggling to hold its own as a 'durable, attractive' profession, with widespread staff shortages 'seriously compromising' the quality of frontline services, the report said.
The taskforce also highlighted the absence of a single body responsible for promoting the profession and improving standards.
The package announced today also includes:
reforming social work training to ensure all graduates and newly qualified social workers are of a high calibre;
ensuring universities raise the bar for social work degrees with a practice-based masters qualification aimed at keeping the skills and specialist knowledge of all social workers up to date;
creating a new campaign to improve the public understanding of social work;
developing a new system to help employers to better plan and forecast the demand and workload of their social workers.
A Social Work Reform Board will be set up to work alongside the Government to take forward today's recommendations.
An implementation plan will be outlined early next year which will include setting out how the reforms will be resourced and what changes will be needed to legislate.
Moira Gibb, chairwoman of the social work taskforce, has accepted the role of chairwoman of the reform board.
She will launch the taskforce's final report at a press conference today alongside Mr Balls and Mr Burnham.
Today's announcement follows the £58million Social Work Transformation Fund for children's social work announced in May this year.
More than 30,000 people expressed an interest in becoming a social worker after a recruitment campaign fronted by celebrities including Goldie and Samantha Morton.
The Government is investing £109m in the social work workforce over the next two years.
Baby Peter Connelly was just 17-months-old when he died in August 2007 at the hands of his mother, Tracey Connelly, her lover, Steven Barker and their lodger, Jason Owen.
He had suffered 50 injuries despite receiving 60 visits from social workers, doctors and police over the final eight months of his life.
A series of reviews identified missed opportunities when officials could have saved the little boy's life if they had acted properly on the warning signs in front of them.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Grandparents! Are not just for Christmas.
Grandparents come into their own at this time of year for babysitting or while you go shopping or to parties or hiding the toys you don’t want the kids to see until Christmas day. Yes they are handy. But remember they are not just for Christmas.
At this time of year alcohol plays a big part in the festive enjoyment of Christmas.
The majority of people use it sensibly, suffer their hangover then put it aside until the next occasion.
Unfortunately some go overboard and make drinking their 24/7. This is the danger time for neglect and abuse of children. Children are at their most vulnerable to strangers coming and going from the house or when parents are catering to party goers. The most dangerous time of all is when they are left on their own to pop round to a neighbour just for a minute. The time flies by and it ends up being for hours.
Believe it or not a lot of children go hungry at this time of year because all the household money is spent on one big drinking spree lasting for weeks..
Always be aware of who comes into your house and check your children regularly.
If you plan a celebration why not ask the grandparents if they could baby-sit for that big occasion, they would be delighted and the children would get to play with their toys and above all be safe, leaving you free to enjoy yourself for at least one night.
So have a safe Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
From
Grandparents Apart UK
22 Alness crescent
Glasgow G52 1PJ
0141 882 5658
http://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
At this time of year alcohol plays a big part in the festive enjoyment of Christmas.
The majority of people use it sensibly, suffer their hangover then put it aside until the next occasion.
Unfortunately some go overboard and make drinking their 24/7. This is the danger time for neglect and abuse of children. Children are at their most vulnerable to strangers coming and going from the house or when parents are catering to party goers. The most dangerous time of all is when they are left on their own to pop round to a neighbour just for a minute. The time flies by and it ends up being for hours.
Believe it or not a lot of children go hungry at this time of year because all the household money is spent on one big drinking spree lasting for weeks..
Always be aware of who comes into your house and check your children regularly.
If you plan a celebration why not ask the grandparents if they could baby-sit for that big occasion, they would be delighted and the children would get to play with their toys and above all be safe, leaving you free to enjoy yourself for at least one night.
So have a safe Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
From
Grandparents Apart UK
22 Alness crescent
Glasgow G52 1PJ
0141 882 5658
http://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
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