http://www.thepetitionsite.com/3/parents-against-grandparents-rights
The above link Is the very reason we at Grandparents Apart UK abandoned the campaign for automatic legal rights for grandparents. We did warn that something like this would happen. That is why we opted for the Charter for Grandchildren which does not infringe on parental rights and would have parents with us instead of against us. A Government Minister told people that grandparents would have more rights than parents was in our opinion a ploy to divide and conquer. For fairer family laws we must stay united and work together.
Real Grandparents in our experience accept that the parents do have full responsibility for their children and only want their grandchildren to be happy and to see them on a regular basis. Parents see that Grandparents having automatic legal rights is trying to take control and are disturbed by this.
The Charter for Grandchildren focuses on the children, what they need from their grandparents and forces social services and professionals to look more closely at the benefits grandparents can be to the children. It has all the rights grandparents would need without treading on parents toes.
Jimmy Deuchars
Grandparents Apart UK
22 Alness crescent
Glasgow G52 1PJ
0141 882 5658
http://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
View Blog
View Blog
The Prime Minister apologises for forced deporting of children.
But they have not changed towards children and their families.
Social services are still snatching children and telling them falsely that their families do not want them and also telling grandparents and extended family that the children do not want to see them either. (Parental Alienation) This confuses and demoralises children into accepting forced adoption to complete strangers.
An apology to the 7,000 child migrants from Britain who still live in Australia
were compulsorily shipped out of Britain, many of the children were told - wrongly - their parents were dead, and that a more abundant life awaited them.
Many parents did not know their children, aged as young as three had been sent to Australia. Child care agencies (guess who they are) worked with the government to send disadvantaged children to a rosy future and supply what was deemed "good white stock" to a former colony.
Full story. http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/1/hi/uk/8361025.stm
Jimmy Deuchars
Grandparents Apart UK
22 Alness crescent
Glasgow G52 1PJ
0141 882 5658
http://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
The Prime Minister apologises for forced deporting of children.
But they have not changed towards children and their families.
Social services are still snatching children and telling them falsely that their families do not want them and also telling grandparents and extended family that the children do not want to see them either. (Parental Alienation) This confuses and demoralises children into accepting forced adoption to complete strangers.
An apology to the 7,000 child migrants from Britain who still live in Australia
were compulsorily shipped out of Britain, many of the children were told - wrongly - their parents were dead, and that a more abundant life awaited them.
Many parents did not know their children, aged as young as three had been sent to Australia. Child care agencies (guess who they are) worked with the government to send disadvantaged children to a rosy future and supply what was deemed "good white stock" to a former colony.
Full story. http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/1/hi/uk/8361025.stm
Jimmy Deuchars
Grandparents Apart UK
22 Alness crescent
Glasgow G52 1PJ
0141 882 5658
http://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
Monday, February 22, 2010
Orange webmail
Glasgow City Councillors Vote “Yes” for
‘The Charter for Grandchildren’
A big unanimous “yes” vote plus a standing ovation for Grandparents Apart UK by Glasgow City Councilors on 18th February 2010 to accept ‘The Charter for Grandchildren’ for mandatory use by professionals that work in the welfare of children. By this historic vote brave Glasgow Councilors have opened up a whole new aspect of child care and protection plus huge savings on the public purse.
The Charter for Grandchildren was created by the Scottish Executive in 2005 to accompany the Family Law Act (Scotland) 2006 as an advisory document but because it was just advisory Social Services and professionals dealing in the welfare of children were reluctant to change their policies to comply with it.
The Policy Development Committee (PDC) in Glasgow City Chambers will now decide to accept parts or all of the Charter. The Charter was produced by the legal team of a Scottish Government on evidence produced by a stakeholders group of which Grandparents Apart UK were a part of.
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 respected and protected for the child…
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 put a lot of hard work into “The Charter for Grandchildren” demanding to be heard about the gaps in the family law concerning their grandchildren. Why? Because we really do have the best interests of our grandchildren at heart, if it was not for love of them why would we bother?
We are happy to promote the Charter for Grandchildren and the Parenting Agreement because they are useful documents.
Also on the Scottish government website.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/04/21143655/0
Ends
Contact
Jimmy Deuchars
Grandparents Apart UK
22 Alness crescent
Glasgow G52 1PJ
0141 882 5658
http://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
ef="http://email10.orange.co.uk/webmail/en_GB/folder.html?FOLDER=UF_CC+supporters">Orange webmail
Joy over city backing for Grandparents
Scottish Evening Times
Jasper Hamill
Campaigning grandparents are celebrating after Glasgow City Council took a step towards giving them a greater role in their grandchildren’s lives.
Councillors unanimously backed a motion to consider adopting some of the recommendations of the Charter For Grandchildren, a document drawn up by elderly activists who said grandparents had too few rights.
Grandparents Apart, the organisation that drew up the charter, claimed social services “ignore” the benefits of placing children with grandparents in custody or
welfare cases, preferring to send them into care.
They are also angered that grandparents too often lose contact with children after the parents break up and have no legal right to demand access.
Jimmy Deuchars, of Mosspark, formed the group after his daughter died and he was unable to see his two grandchildren.
He is determined that this should never happen to anyone again.
Mr Deuchars said: “We are delighted. This is the largest council in the country and it has taken a vital step towards allowing grandparents to be more closely involved in their life.
“This decision is proof that people are beginning to recognise how important grandparents can be. This will be a big boost to our campaign.”
Mr Deuchars and his wife are among a million UK grandparents that cannot see their youngest relatives, mostly because of family break-up.
Councillor Ruth Black and three other councillors submitted a motion that was heard at Glasgow City Chambers suggesting the council implement part or all
of the Charter For Grandchildren.
Ms Black said: “If there are ways in which Glasgow City Council can encourage or facilitate the continued presence of grandparents in a child’s life then we should examine them.”
Jim Black, 68, from Clydebank, lost contact with his granddaughter 13 years ago. He has been supported by the Deuchars’ group.
He said: “We are not saying grandparents should have the same rights as parents, we would just like to be given greater rights by councils and social services. It’s in the interests of children to know their grandparents.”
Quick Poll
Should grandparents enjoy greater legal rights over grandchildren?
View current results (Sorry i can't get it right Please copy and paste into your address bar)
http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/editor-s-picks-ignore/joy-over-city-backing-for-grandparents-1.1008377?pollId=poll_1_1008379&questionId=0&forward=http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk:80/news/editor-s-picks-ignore/joy-over-city-backing-for-grandparents-1.1008377&answerId=0&cookieSet=true
Jasper Hamill
Campaigning grandparents are celebrating after Glasgow City Council took a step towards giving them a greater role in their grandchildren’s lives.
Councillors unanimously backed a motion to consider adopting some of the recommendations of the Charter For Grandchildren, a document drawn up by elderly activists who said grandparents had too few rights.
Grandparents Apart, the organisation that drew up the charter, claimed social services “ignore” the benefits of placing children with grandparents in custody or
welfare cases, preferring to send them into care.
They are also angered that grandparents too often lose contact with children after the parents break up and have no legal right to demand access.
Jimmy Deuchars, of Mosspark, formed the group after his daughter died and he was unable to see his two grandchildren.
He is determined that this should never happen to anyone again.
Mr Deuchars said: “We are delighted. This is the largest council in the country and it has taken a vital step towards allowing grandparents to be more closely involved in their life.
“This decision is proof that people are beginning to recognise how important grandparents can be. This will be a big boost to our campaign.”
Mr Deuchars and his wife are among a million UK grandparents that cannot see their youngest relatives, mostly because of family break-up.
Councillor Ruth Black and three other councillors submitted a motion that was heard at Glasgow City Chambers suggesting the council implement part or all
of the Charter For Grandchildren.
Ms Black said: “If there are ways in which Glasgow City Council can encourage or facilitate the continued presence of grandparents in a child’s life then we should examine them.”
Jim Black, 68, from Clydebank, lost contact with his granddaughter 13 years ago. He has been supported by the Deuchars’ group.
He said: “We are not saying grandparents should have the same rights as parents, we would just like to be given greater rights by councils and social services. It’s in the interests of children to know their grandparents.”
Quick Poll
Should grandparents enjoy greater legal rights over grandchildren?
View current results (Sorry i can't get it right Please copy and paste into your address bar)
http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/editor-s-picks-ignore/joy-over-city-backing-for-grandparents-1.1008377?pollId=poll_1_1008379&questionId=0&forward=http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk:80/news/editor-s-picks-ignore/joy-over-city-backing-for-grandparents-1.1008377&answerId=0&cookieSet=true
Glasgow City Councillors Vote “Yes” for The Charter for Grandchildren
Press release; immediate.
Glasgow City Councillors Vote “Yes” for
‘The Charter for Grandchildren’
A big unanimous “yes” vote plus a standing ovation for Grandparents Apart UK by Glasgow City Councilors on 18th February 2010 to accept ‘The Charter for Grandchildren’ for mandatory use by professionals that work in the welfare of children. By this historic vote brave Glasgow Councilors have opened up a whole new aspect of child care and protection plus huge savings on the public purse.
The Charter for Grandchildren was created by the Scottish Executive in 2005 to accompany the Family Law Act (Scotland) 2006 as an advisory document but because it was just advisory Social Services and professionals dealing in the welfare of children were reluctant to change their policies to comply with it.
The Policy Development Committee (PDC) in Glasgow City Chambers will now decide to accept parts or all of the Charter. The Charter was produced by the legal team of a Scottish Government on evidence produced by a stakeholders group of which Grandparents Apart UK were a part of.
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 respected and protected for the child…
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 put a lot of hard work into “The Charter for Grandchildren” demanding to be heard about the gaps in the family law concerning their grandchildren. Why? Because we really do have the best interests of our grandchildren at heart, if it was not for love of them why would we bother?
We are happy to promote the Charter for Grandchildren and the Parenting Agreement because they are useful documents.
Grandparents Apart Self Help Group Scotland. 22 Alness Crescent, Glasgow G52 1PJ
http://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk A Scottish Registered Volunteer Charity No. SC 031558
Also on the Scottish government website.
http://http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/04/21143655/0
Ends
Contact
Jimmy Deuchars
Grandparents Apart UK
22 Alness crescent
Glasgow G52 1PJ
0141 882 5658
http://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
Glasgow City Councillors Vote “Yes” for
‘The Charter for Grandchildren’
A big unanimous “yes” vote plus a standing ovation for Grandparents Apart UK by Glasgow City Councilors on 18th February 2010 to accept ‘The Charter for Grandchildren’ for mandatory use by professionals that work in the welfare of children. By this historic vote brave Glasgow Councilors have opened up a whole new aspect of child care and protection plus huge savings on the public purse.
The Charter for Grandchildren was created by the Scottish Executive in 2005 to accompany the Family Law Act (Scotland) 2006 as an advisory document but because it was just advisory Social Services and professionals dealing in the welfare of children were reluctant to change their policies to comply with it.
The Policy Development Committee (PDC) in Glasgow City Chambers will now decide to accept parts or all of the Charter. The Charter was produced by the legal team of a Scottish Government on evidence produced by a stakeholders group of which Grandparents Apart UK were a part of.
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 respected and protected for the child…
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 put a lot of hard work into “The Charter for Grandchildren” demanding to be heard about the gaps in the family law concerning their grandchildren. Why? Because we really do have the best interests of our grandchildren at heart, if it was not for love of them why would we bother?
We are happy to promote the Charter for Grandchildren and the Parenting Agreement because they are useful documents.
Grandparents Apart Self Help Group Scotland. 22 Alness Crescent, Glasgow G52 1PJ
http://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk A Scottish Registered Volunteer Charity No. SC 031558
Also on the Scottish government website.
http://http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/04/21143655/0
Ends
Contact
Jimmy Deuchars
Grandparents Apart UK
22 Alness crescent
Glasgow G52 1PJ
0141 882 5658
http://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
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 respected and protected for the child…
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 put a lot of hard work into “The Charter for Grandchildren” demanding to be heard about the gaps in the family law concerning their grandchildren. Why? Because we really do have the best interests of our grandchildren at heart, if it was not for love of them why would we bother?
We are happy to promote the Charter for Grandchildren and the Parenting Agreement because they are useful documents.
Grandparents Apart Self Help Group Scotland. 22 Alness Crescent, Glasgow G52 1PJ
http://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk A Scottish Registered Volunteer Charity No. SC 031558
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 respected and protected for the child…
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 put a lot of hard work into “The Charter for Grandchildren” demanding to be heard about the gaps in the family law concerning their grandchildren. Why? Because we really do have the best interests of our grandchildren at heart, if it was not for love of them why would we bother?
We are happy to promote the Charter for Grandchildren and the Parenting Agreement because they are useful documents.
Grandparents Apart Self Help Group Scotland. 22 Alness Crescent, Glasgow G52 1PJ
http://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk A Scottish Registered Volunteer Charity No. SC 031558
Saturday, February 20, 2010
An exploration of the experiences of grandfathers whose grandchildren are involved with Children’s Services
Research title: An exploration of the experiences of grandfathers whose grandchildren are involved with Children’s Services
I am a student at the University of East Anglia undertaking a research project on the role of the grandfather. In particular I am interested in the experiences of grandfathers who have grandchildren involved with Children’s Services. The aim of the research is to explore grandfather’s perspectives of their experiences and to understand more about the way grandfather’s view involvement and support from others. This may be helpful for both family members and practitioners when determining what sort of support could be provided for grandfathers in this situation.
I would like to interview men whose grandchildren are or have been part of Children’s Services. I would really appreciate the help of any grandfathers who fit this description. The interview will take about an hour and be conducted at a time and place convenient to you. If you would like more information or know of any other grandfathers who may be interested, please get in touch.
Participation in the research is voluntary and interviewees would be free to withdraw at any point. All information given will be treated as confidential and anonymised.
If you are willing to be interviewed please ring or email to discuss the project and arrange a convenient time and place to meet.
Many thanks,
Karen Wheeler
Tel: 07788595014
I am a student at the University of East Anglia undertaking a research project on the role of the grandfather. In particular I am interested in the experiences of grandfathers who have grandchildren involved with Children’s Services. The aim of the research is to explore grandfather’s perspectives of their experiences and to understand more about the way grandfather’s view involvement and support from others. This may be helpful for both family members and practitioners when determining what sort of support could be provided for grandfathers in this situation.
I would like to interview men whose grandchildren are or have been part of Children’s Services. I would really appreciate the help of any grandfathers who fit this description. The interview will take about an hour and be conducted at a time and place convenient to you. If you would like more information or know of any other grandfathers who may be interested, please get in touch.
Participation in the research is voluntary and interviewees would be free to withdraw at any point. All information given will be treated as confidential and anonymised.
If you are willing to be interviewed please ring or email to discuss the project and arrange a convenient time and place to meet.
Many thanks,
Karen Wheeler
Tel: 07788595014
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Grandparents find children are treated as business commodities.
There are more and more abused children being taken into care by social services from homes that grandparents could look after. Children that need love and family comfort which grandparents could supply if they were not ignored by social services. This service is bursting at the seams to cope and have resorted to treating children as business commodities to get children adopted as quickly and as cheaply as possible rather than looking after the children’s real welfare with their grandparents. This is not in a child’s best interest emotionally or mentally.
One of our grannies (I cannot name her as the case is ongoing) calls me regularly to keep me up to date, she is broken hearted. A sheriff gave her contact 2hrs every eight weeks with her 4 year old grandson who is in foster care. On the last visit her grandson was taking her hand and giving her big hugs and kisses and asking “where do you live, is it a house you live in, can I come and see you.” The shock came after her last visit when the social services called her and told her that all contact was stopped. A hearing of the children’s panel had been called and it was by their recommendation.
The reason given by social services was the boy was very disruptive and upset when he left the granny and would not speak to the foster dad or the social worker. Although the granny had a court order to see him the social services had taken it upon themselves to stop contact with the magic saying, ‘to continue contact is not in the child’s best interest.'
The granny was phoning the social worker to check that her meeting with him the next day was still on when she was told her grandson had been adopted without her or the child’s mother being informed.
The heartbroken Gran said "I knew something was wrong when I got put through right away and didn't get the usual rubbish, she is not at her desk, or she is not in. I was so shocked at her attitude when she said, Have you not heard the adoption went through 3 weeks ago. I asked her if I was to see him again, the answer was, what do you think, then I don't think so, he is adopted you know" he is not now a cared for child. How callous is that in ruining a child’s life?.
The granny had just received a letter from the sheriff clerk to tell her she would be getting a court date soon for the hearing to continue her contact with the boy. Even the sheriff court had no idea this has happened and her solicitor is totally shocked.
This is adoption without consent is a terrible horrible thing to happen to this wee boy who loved his granny's visits and was looking forward to home visits with her. His young life has just been cut off from the only person who really loved him.
to say the social services had adopted the grandson without informing her or her daughter (the child’s mother) know anything about it Ends
Grandparents Apart UK
22 Alness crescent
Glasgow G52 1 PJ
0141 882 5658
www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
One of our grannies (I cannot name her as the case is ongoing) calls me regularly to keep me up to date, she is broken hearted. A sheriff gave her contact 2hrs every eight weeks with her 4 year old grandson who is in foster care. On the last visit her grandson was taking her hand and giving her big hugs and kisses and asking “where do you live, is it a house you live in, can I come and see you.” The shock came after her last visit when the social services called her and told her that all contact was stopped. A hearing of the children’s panel had been called and it was by their recommendation.
The reason given by social services was the boy was very disruptive and upset when he left the granny and would not speak to the foster dad or the social worker. Although the granny had a court order to see him the social services had taken it upon themselves to stop contact with the magic saying, ‘to continue contact is not in the child’s best interest.'
The granny was phoning the social worker to check that her meeting with him the next day was still on when she was told her grandson had been adopted without her or the child’s mother being informed.
The heartbroken Gran said "I knew something was wrong when I got put through right away and didn't get the usual rubbish, she is not at her desk, or she is not in. I was so shocked at her attitude when she said, Have you not heard the adoption went through 3 weeks ago. I asked her if I was to see him again, the answer was, what do you think, then I don't think so, he is adopted you know" he is not now a cared for child. How callous is that in ruining a child’s life?.
The granny had just received a letter from the sheriff clerk to tell her she would be getting a court date soon for the hearing to continue her contact with the boy. Even the sheriff court had no idea this has happened and her solicitor is totally shocked.
This is adoption without consent is a terrible horrible thing to happen to this wee boy who loved his granny's visits and was looking forward to home visits with her. His young life has just been cut off from the only person who really loved him.
to say the social services had adopted the grandson without informing her or her daughter (the child’s mother) know anything about it Ends
Grandparents Apart UK
22 Alness crescent
Glasgow G52 1 PJ
0141 882 5658
www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
Sunday, February 14, 2010
How to be a good grandparent.
Grandparenting is very much like parenting but it is in a new world of advanced mothering/baby technology and grandparents must accept this change. The child is not the grandparent’s responsibility and does not belong to them and they need to let the parents rear the child as they see fit. Parents are delighted to have grandparents to turn to but only when needed and asked but they totally resent any suggestions however well meant as it will be old fashioned and not what the baby clinics teach. It is not that the grandparents are wrong but just taught in a modern way.
The majority of grandparents we have met just love to see their grandchildren come to visit but are just as happy to see them go home again as long as all is well. The responsibility for bringing the children up rests with the parents and their word must be accepted for it is they that have to deal with them if the children are spoilt etc and if this is causing problems then parents may limit the visits or stop altogether.Get the parents permission before you do anything.
Why do we need Family Education?
The mainstream of grandparents that lose contact are very loving and caring and have reared a family of their own, been there before got the T-shirt etc. and are very much concerned that the new mum and baby should have the best for the new arrival.
Having done it all before grandparents are full of confidence and pride that they have brought up their family well, and quite rightly so!. The problem arises when this obvious concern overflows onto the new parents and it can appear to them as patronising and controlling.
The parents don’t want to cause any problems by speaking up about it so they begin turning away from the grandparents rather than fall out. This is noticed by the grandparents and they wonder why they are being shut out and ask their son/daughter why.. The father becomes the one in the middle and he gets it from both sides. I must say in our experience this happens mostly with the paternal grandparents as a mother usually can tell the maternal granny to stop. The parents find it very uncomfortable to be in the grandparents company and visit less and less. It is felt the mother is being controlling and due to the uncomfortable situation the son eventually ends up staying away as well. This is when the grandparents start looking for grandparental rights.
When a new male partner comes into a mother’s life he is met with coolness from grandparents of both sides. If they do not accept the new man the mother becomes resentful and again avoids the grandparents and it is deemed the new man is controlling her to stay away. It is essential that the mother knows her judgement can be trusted in picking new partners. Accept them all as a family or lose them.
Mediation at this point could work wonders.
Remember the effect family conflict can have on your children. You may be too wrapped up in your own problems to notice the effect on them.
Children cannot understand why they have been suddenly cut of from people they know and love and they often think they are to blame.
Everyone involved should put the children first and try to keep things as normal as possible for them.
If there is enough thought for the welfare of the children mediation can work? You should be totally open and say what you want but be prepared to compromise for the sake of the children. When boundaries and plans are set they should be in writing to remind you and you must stick to the agreement.
Issued by: Grandparents Apart UK, 22 Alness Crescent Glasgow G52 1PJ, 0141 882 5658. http://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
The majority of grandparents we have met just love to see their grandchildren come to visit but are just as happy to see them go home again as long as all is well. The responsibility for bringing the children up rests with the parents and their word must be accepted for it is they that have to deal with them if the children are spoilt etc and if this is causing problems then parents may limit the visits or stop altogether.Get the parents permission before you do anything.
Why do we need Family Education?
The mainstream of grandparents that lose contact are very loving and caring and have reared a family of their own, been there before got the T-shirt etc. and are very much concerned that the new mum and baby should have the best for the new arrival.
Having done it all before grandparents are full of confidence and pride that they have brought up their family well, and quite rightly so!. The problem arises when this obvious concern overflows onto the new parents and it can appear to them as patronising and controlling.
The parents don’t want to cause any problems by speaking up about it so they begin turning away from the grandparents rather than fall out. This is noticed by the grandparents and they wonder why they are being shut out and ask their son/daughter why.. The father becomes the one in the middle and he gets it from both sides. I must say in our experience this happens mostly with the paternal grandparents as a mother usually can tell the maternal granny to stop. The parents find it very uncomfortable to be in the grandparents company and visit less and less. It is felt the mother is being controlling and due to the uncomfortable situation the son eventually ends up staying away as well. This is when the grandparents start looking for grandparental rights.
When a new male partner comes into a mother’s life he is met with coolness from grandparents of both sides. If they do not accept the new man the mother becomes resentful and again avoids the grandparents and it is deemed the new man is controlling her to stay away. It is essential that the mother knows her judgement can be trusted in picking new partners. Accept them all as a family or lose them.
Mediation at this point could work wonders.
Remember the effect family conflict can have on your children. You may be too wrapped up in your own problems to notice the effect on them.
Children cannot understand why they have been suddenly cut of from people they know and love and they often think they are to blame.
Everyone involved should put the children first and try to keep things as normal as possible for them.
If there is enough thought for the welfare of the children mediation can work? You should be totally open and say what you want but be prepared to compromise for the sake of the children. When boundaries and plans are set they should be in writing to remind you and you must stick to the agreement.
Issued by: Grandparents Apart UK, 22 Alness Crescent Glasgow G52 1PJ, 0141 882 5658. http://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
Friday, February 12, 2010
Glasgow Councillors Champion The Charter for Grandchildren
It did seem to us at Grandparents Apart UK that no-one else cared about the welfare of children as it is so low on the political agenda. Now on the 18th February 2010, 1.30pm Glasgow City Councilor Ruth Black backed by Councilors Iris Gibson, Alistair Watson, and last year Mathew Kerr all of Craigton Ward 4 will raise a motion in the City Chambers for ‘The Charter for Grandchildren’ to be mandatory for professionals working in the welfare of children.
Children have been losing out on the benefits and safeguards their grandparents can provide because professionals regard them irrelevant persons regarding their grandchildren. Ruth and her fellow councilors have recognised the huge benefit grandparents can be for their grandchildren and the enormous savings it can be to the public purse.
The drawback at present is if abuse/neglect is reported by the grandparents, the social services are not interested, unless they see bruises and broken bones, if there is none, the grandparent’s pleas are ignored.* The grandparents are then if not before, completely banned from seeing the children at all. And so it goes on until the child lands up in hospital or worse.
An adult can speak up about being assaulted and put an end to the abuse. Children on the other hand can be threatened and brainwashed or too young to speak out and there can be no-one to turn too. For a child It can be ongoing neglect, sexual abuse, physical or emotional/mental abuse a child suffers before anyone can spot their torment, then it can so bad the child is damaged for life.
Grandparents can be a confidant, someone special in their lives, someone they can talk to and trust. Someone who has insight to the kind of life they are leading and could spot abuse earlier than any agency.
The only thing grandparents want out of this is, knowing their grandchildren are safe and not being harmed. They do not want control of them. I have said this often and heard it repeatedly, I love to see my grandchildren but thank goodness they can go back to their parents at the end of a visit. That is caring.
Ends
* See ‘Emma’ It did seem to us at Grandparents Apart UK that no-one else cared about the welfare of children as it is so low on the political agenda. Now on the 18th February 2010, 1.30pm Glasgow City Councilor Ruth Black backed by Councilors Iris Gibson, Alistair Watson, and last year Mathew Kerr all of Craigton Ward 4 will raise a motion in the City Chambers for ‘The Charter for Grandchildren’ to be mandatory for professionals working in the welfare of children.
Children have been losing out on the benefits and safeguards their grandparents can provide because professionals regard them irrelevant persons regarding their grandchildren. Ruth and her fellow councilors have recognised the huge benefit grandparents can be for their grandchildren and the enormous savings it can be to the public purse.
The drawback at present is if abuse/neglect is reported by the grandparents, the social services are not interested, unless they see bruises and broken bones, if there is none, the grandparent’s pleas are ignored.* The grandparents are then if not before, completely banned from seeing the children at all. And so it goes on until the child lands up in hospital or worse.
An adult can speak up about being assaulted and put an end to the abuse. Children on the other hand can be threatened and brainwashed or too young to speak out and there can be no-one to turn too. For a child It can be ongoing neglect, sexual abuse, physical or emotional/mental abuse a child suffers before anyone can spot their torment, then it can so bad the child is damaged for life.
Grandparents can be a confidant, someone special in their lives, someone they can talk to and trust. Someone who has insight to the kind of life they are leading and could spot abuse earlier than any agency.
The only thing grandparents want out of this is, knowing their grandchildren are safe and not being harmed. They do not want control of them. I have said this often and heard it repeatedly, I love to see my grandchildren but thank goodness they can go back to their parents at the end of a visit. That is caring.
Ends
* See ‘Emma’ http://chatterboxblogforyou.blogspot.com/2010/02/emma.html
a case where the grandparents were ignored for 4 years and their granddaughter suffered abuse for that long.
Grandparents Apart UK
22 Alness Crescent
Glasgow G52 1PJ
0141 882 5658
http://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
a case where the grandparents were ignored for 4 years and their granddaughter suffered abuse for that long.
Grandparents Apart UK
22 Alness Crescent
Glasgow G52 1PJ
0141 882 5658
http://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
Children have been losing out on the benefits and safeguards their grandparents can provide because professionals regard them irrelevant persons regarding their grandchildren. Ruth and her fellow councilors have recognised the huge benefit grandparents can be for their grandchildren and the enormous savings it can be to the public purse.
The drawback at present is if abuse/neglect is reported by the grandparents, the social services are not interested, unless they see bruises and broken bones, if there is none, the grandparent’s pleas are ignored.* The grandparents are then if not before, completely banned from seeing the children at all. And so it goes on until the child lands up in hospital or worse.
An adult can speak up about being assaulted and put an end to the abuse. Children on the other hand can be threatened and brainwashed or too young to speak out and there can be no-one to turn too. For a child It can be ongoing neglect, sexual abuse, physical or emotional/mental abuse a child suffers before anyone can spot their torment, then it can so bad the child is damaged for life.
Grandparents can be a confidant, someone special in their lives, someone they can talk to and trust. Someone who has insight to the kind of life they are leading and could spot abuse earlier than any agency.
The only thing grandparents want out of this is, knowing their grandchildren are safe and not being harmed. They do not want control of them. I have said this often and heard it repeatedly, I love to see my grandchildren but thank goodness they can go back to their parents at the end of a visit. That is caring.
Ends
* See ‘Emma’ It did seem to us at Grandparents Apart UK that no-one else cared about the welfare of children as it is so low on the political agenda. Now on the 18th February 2010, 1.30pm Glasgow City Councilor Ruth Black backed by Councilors Iris Gibson, Alistair Watson, and last year Mathew Kerr all of Craigton Ward 4 will raise a motion in the City Chambers for ‘The Charter for Grandchildren’ to be mandatory for professionals working in the welfare of children.
Children have been losing out on the benefits and safeguards their grandparents can provide because professionals regard them irrelevant persons regarding their grandchildren. Ruth and her fellow councilors have recognised the huge benefit grandparents can be for their grandchildren and the enormous savings it can be to the public purse.
The drawback at present is if abuse/neglect is reported by the grandparents, the social services are not interested, unless they see bruises and broken bones, if there is none, the grandparent’s pleas are ignored.* The grandparents are then if not before, completely banned from seeing the children at all. And so it goes on until the child lands up in hospital or worse.
An adult can speak up about being assaulted and put an end to the abuse. Children on the other hand can be threatened and brainwashed or too young to speak out and there can be no-one to turn too. For a child It can be ongoing neglect, sexual abuse, physical or emotional/mental abuse a child suffers before anyone can spot their torment, then it can so bad the child is damaged for life.
Grandparents can be a confidant, someone special in their lives, someone they can talk to and trust. Someone who has insight to the kind of life they are leading and could spot abuse earlier than any agency.
The only thing grandparents want out of this is, knowing their grandchildren are safe and not being harmed. They do not want control of them. I have said this often and heard it repeatedly, I love to see my grandchildren but thank goodness they can go back to their parents at the end of a visit. That is caring.
Ends
* See ‘Emma’ http://chatterboxblogforyou.blogspot.com/2010/02/emma.html
a case where the grandparents were ignored for 4 years and their granddaughter suffered abuse for that long.
Grandparents Apart UK
22 Alness Crescent
Glasgow G52 1PJ
0141 882 5658
http://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
a case where the grandparents were ignored for 4 years and their granddaughter suffered abuse for that long.
Grandparents Apart UK
22 Alness Crescent
Glasgow G52 1PJ
0141 882 5658
http://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Frequently Asked Questions for Grandparentss
Frequently Asked Questions.
Q, Do I have a legal right of contact with my grandchildren?
A, Grandparents do not have an automatic legal right of contact. However anyone who meets the criteria that contact would be in the child’s best interest, has a right to go to court to seek contact with any child.
Q, Is there an alternative to court?
A, Yes, Mediation. Scottish– Family Mediation Scotland, 0845 119 2020. Contact to find your local branch 0845 60 26 627 If it can be arranged for everyone concerned to attend a mediation session as early as possible legal processes may not be required. Mediation has prevented many a molehill becoming a mountain. Anyone who does not take part in mediation may be considered not to have the best interests of
children at heart.
Q, What is my first step?
A, Contact our group or another grandparents group to familiarise yourself about the situation. We won’t just tell you what you want to hear, we expect you to examine your own actions and be prepared to give and take. You may have to approach the situation with a different attitude. Remember it is for your grandchildren.
Q, What can I do to help the situation?
A, Record everything. If you are still getting some contact record dates and times etc. Do not get involved in any arguments or fights as this could be the excuse for a court order to be taken out against you preventing all contact.Perhaps another family member could help diffuse the situation.
Q, What qualifies Grandparents Apart UK to give information?
A, We have all been through what you are going through at this moment. If we can point someone in the right direction all the better. We are not lawyers and do not give legal advice but by sharing our experience we have helped thousands of grandparents over our ten years in this field. Hopefully we can help you too.
Q, What areas do you cover?
A, Due to the magic of email and good communications we cover the whole of the UK and have members in all four countries and some overseas too.
Q, What have you achieved?
A, We have raised the profile of grandparents dramatically over the years and with our nvolvement the Scottish Government created The Charter of Grandchildren; a document which reminds us all that the children are the priority, while explaining the positive role grandparents can play in their life.
Q, How can I get support?
Telephone helpline 0141 882 5658 or email james@grandparents.fsnet.co.uk We also have local monthly meetings and all grandparents denied contact with their grandchildren are welcome to come along.
Q, How do I apply for contact through the courts?
A, The first step is to contact a Family Law Solicitor. Scottish Law Society, 0131 476 8168. English Law Society 0845 608 6565 You can find details in the phone book or on the Family Law website.
Q, Will I get financial help?
A, This depends on many things and your solicitor will help you with this.
Q, How long will this process take?
A, The legal process does not move quickly and can take years to reach a conclusion?
Q, Should I report a problem to Social Services?
A, Yes if you feel the child is in danger.
Q, How should I expect to be treated by Social Services?
A, Be aware that Social Services sometimes take control rather than help and support. Go along with everything they ask of you and be amiable. If you disagree or question their decisions you will be labelled un-cooperative and possibly ignored.
Q, Social Services are shutting me out, what can I do?
A, Ask for an explanation of their decisions. Contact the social worker’s supervisor, then head of Social Services. There is ultimately a head of Social Services within the council and their name and contact details will be on your local council website or community paper. If all else fails you can contact the Ombudsman –
Contact info Scotland Local Government Ombudsman Scotland, 23 Walker St, Edinburgh EH3 7HX (Tel: 0131 225 5300; Fax: 0131 225 9495)
Wales Public Services Ombudsman 1 Ffordd yr Hen Gae, Pencoed, CF35 5LJ Tel: (01656) 641 150 Fax: (01656) 641 199.
Northern Ireland Ombudsman, Freepost, Belfast BT1 6BR (Tel: 0800 34 34 24 or 028 9023 3821; Fax: 028 9023 4912 Email: ombudsman@ni-ombudsman.org.uk.
Greater London 21 Queen Anne's Gate, London SW1H 9BU (Tel: 020 7915 3210; Fax: 020 7233 0396)
Birmingham, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Cheshire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and the north of England Beverley House, 17 Shipton Road, York YO30 5FZ (Tel: 01904 663200; Fax: 01904 663269)
All of southern England (except London), East Anglia, the south-west and most of central England The Oaks No 2, Westwood Way, Westwood Business Park, Coventry CV4 8JB (Tel: 024 7669 5999; Fax: 024 7669 5902)
Q, Are you in favour of either parent?.
A, No! We believe there should be equal parenting with grandparents as a back up for the welfare of children. We have no intentions of taking 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.
Q, Can I help in your campaign?.
A, Yes. Send in our letter asking your local councillor to raise making the Charter for Grandparents mandatory for professionals that work in the welfare of children. As well as informing as many MPs MSPs as you can that you would like to see this change.
Jimmy Deuchars
Grandparents Apart UK
22 Alness crescent
Glasgow G52 1PJ
0141 882 5658
http://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
Q, Do I have a legal right of contact with my grandchildren?
A, Grandparents do not have an automatic legal right of contact. However anyone who meets the criteria that contact would be in the child’s best interest, has a right to go to court to seek contact with any child.
Q, Is there an alternative to court?
A, Yes, Mediation. Scottish– Family Mediation Scotland, 0845 119 2020. Contact to find your local branch 0845 60 26 627 If it can be arranged for everyone concerned to attend a mediation session as early as possible legal processes may not be required. Mediation has prevented many a molehill becoming a mountain. Anyone who does not take part in mediation may be considered not to have the best interests of
children at heart.
Q, What is my first step?
A, Contact our group or another grandparents group to familiarise yourself about the situation. We won’t just tell you what you want to hear, we expect you to examine your own actions and be prepared to give and take. You may have to approach the situation with a different attitude. Remember it is for your grandchildren.
Q, What can I do to help the situation?
A, Record everything. If you are still getting some contact record dates and times etc. Do not get involved in any arguments or fights as this could be the excuse for a court order to be taken out against you preventing all contact.Perhaps another family member could help diffuse the situation.
Q, What qualifies Grandparents Apart UK to give information?
A, We have all been through what you are going through at this moment. If we can point someone in the right direction all the better. We are not lawyers and do not give legal advice but by sharing our experience we have helped thousands of grandparents over our ten years in this field. Hopefully we can help you too.
Q, What areas do you cover?
A, Due to the magic of email and good communications we cover the whole of the UK and have members in all four countries and some overseas too.
Q, What have you achieved?
A, We have raised the profile of grandparents dramatically over the years and with our nvolvement the Scottish Government created The Charter of Grandchildren; a document which reminds us all that the children are the priority, while explaining the positive role grandparents can play in their life.
Q, How can I get support?
Telephone helpline 0141 882 5658 or email james@grandparents.fsnet.co.uk We also have local monthly meetings and all grandparents denied contact with their grandchildren are welcome to come along.
Q, How do I apply for contact through the courts?
A, The first step is to contact a Family Law Solicitor. Scottish Law Society, 0131 476 8168. English Law Society 0845 608 6565 You can find details in the phone book or on the Family Law website.
Q, Will I get financial help?
A, This depends on many things and your solicitor will help you with this.
Q, How long will this process take?
A, The legal process does not move quickly and can take years to reach a conclusion?
Q, Should I report a problem to Social Services?
A, Yes if you feel the child is in danger.
Q, How should I expect to be treated by Social Services?
A, Be aware that Social Services sometimes take control rather than help and support. Go along with everything they ask of you and be amiable. If you disagree or question their decisions you will be labelled un-cooperative and possibly ignored.
Q, Social Services are shutting me out, what can I do?
A, Ask for an explanation of their decisions. Contact the social worker’s supervisor, then head of Social Services. There is ultimately a head of Social Services within the council and their name and contact details will be on your local council website or community paper. If all else fails you can contact the Ombudsman –
Contact info Scotland Local Government Ombudsman Scotland, 23 Walker St, Edinburgh EH3 7HX (Tel: 0131 225 5300; Fax: 0131 225 9495)
Wales Public Services Ombudsman 1 Ffordd yr Hen Gae, Pencoed, CF35 5LJ Tel: (01656) 641 150 Fax: (01656) 641 199.
Northern Ireland Ombudsman, Freepost, Belfast BT1 6BR (Tel: 0800 34 34 24 or 028 9023 3821; Fax: 028 9023 4912 Email: ombudsman@ni-ombudsman.org.uk.
Greater London 21 Queen Anne's Gate, London SW1H 9BU (Tel: 020 7915 3210; Fax: 020 7233 0396)
Birmingham, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Cheshire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and the north of England Beverley House, 17 Shipton Road, York YO30 5FZ (Tel: 01904 663200; Fax: 01904 663269)
All of southern England (except London), East Anglia, the south-west and most of central England The Oaks No 2, Westwood Way, Westwood Business Park, Coventry CV4 8JB (Tel: 024 7669 5999; Fax: 024 7669 5902)
Q, Are you in favour of either parent?.
A, No! We believe there should be equal parenting with grandparents as a back up for the welfare of children. We have no intentions of taking 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.
Q, Can I help in your campaign?.
A, Yes. Send in our letter asking your local councillor to raise making the Charter for Grandparents mandatory for professionals that work in the welfare of children. As well as informing as many MPs MSPs as you can that you would like to see this change.
Jimmy Deuchars
Grandparents Apart UK
22 Alness crescent
Glasgow G52 1PJ
0141 882 5658
http://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Emma
Before you read on i would like to tell you that this morning 15.2.2010 i met Emma and her grandparents. Emma is such a lovable wee girl that has beem badly affected by abuse and has difficulty with talking because of it. Due to the determination of her grandprents pressurising the social services over four years she has been rescued and is now getting all the love and care she rquires with her dad and grandparents. It will take a lot of years and love for Emma to fully recover from the ordeal she has went through, no thanks to social serevices.
A couple split up in 2005 when Emma was 20 months. The mother did not want Emma unless the father stayed too. The grandparents took Emma in and cared for her for 9 days before the police came and said she had to be returned to the mother.
Emma is a little girl whom the social services knew was being abused continually as it had been reported to them by the grandparents but they ignored them and did nothing.
During this time the grandparents had access and kept reporting to the father that Emma had bruises and once they had to take her to the local A&E for blood droplets coming out of her ear where she had been slapped hard. While they were there they were told there was signs of an old injury to her other ear that had never been attended to and still the social services did nothing saying it was because Emma didn’t speak clearly and that it was difficulty to determine just how she came to get these bruises. The mother always maintained that she got them whilst playing with her siblings.
Even with the hospital contacting the Child Protection Units of the police and Social Services and the subsequent videoed interview of Emma the social services still refused to accept these injuries were due to Emma being physically abused at her home.
This family has been the subject of social service scrutiny since 2002 and even although Emma was placed in the fathers care four times in one year and is now the subject of Child Protection Conferences the social services have never once acknowledged the possibility that the mother or stepfather could have inflicted these injuries.
Emma attended the school with a large bruise on her forehead and informed her teacher that she had been hit by her step father. The Child Protection agencies were informed by the school and two days later Emma was placed into the care of her father.
At the end of last year Emma’s brother was punched so hard by the stepfather he was placed in the care of members of his family and he is still with them.
The couple have problems which are critical and in need of attention they cannot control their tempers and have been advised to attend anger management sessions. Both have dependency on alcohol. The social services knew of the domestic violence in this house as did Cafcass but yet refused to acknowledge it.
The social services are now applying for an Interim Care Order for the three children.
The father and his solicitor wonder why as Emma is safe now and doing remarkably better at school.
There is a lot more to this story but it is cloaked under the veil of confidentiality. The question needs answering why when the Social Services knew of the physical and emotional abuse these children were probably suffering did they not take action sooner to protect them.
Social Services failed to believe the father was the father preferring to believe the step father who said he had a DNA test which proved he was Emma’s birth father and did not engage with the real father until late 2007 The Social Services preferred to believe the step father who had changed Emma’s name claiming he was the father
This case is well documented by the amount of correspondence written to the Social Services workers and their superiors highlighting the concerns of the father and grandparents regarding the child but these were mostly ignored.
Jimmy Deuchars
Grandparents Apart UK
22 Alness crescent
Glasgow G52 1PJ
0141 882 5658
http://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
A couple split up in 2005 when Emma was 20 months. The mother did not want Emma unless the father stayed too. The grandparents took Emma in and cared for her for 9 days before the police came and said she had to be returned to the mother.
Emma is a little girl whom the social services knew was being abused continually as it had been reported to them by the grandparents but they ignored them and did nothing.
During this time the grandparents had access and kept reporting to the father that Emma had bruises and once they had to take her to the local A&E for blood droplets coming out of her ear where she had been slapped hard. While they were there they were told there was signs of an old injury to her other ear that had never been attended to and still the social services did nothing saying it was because Emma didn’t speak clearly and that it was difficulty to determine just how she came to get these bruises. The mother always maintained that she got them whilst playing with her siblings.
Even with the hospital contacting the Child Protection Units of the police and Social Services and the subsequent videoed interview of Emma the social services still refused to accept these injuries were due to Emma being physically abused at her home.
This family has been the subject of social service scrutiny since 2002 and even although Emma was placed in the fathers care four times in one year and is now the subject of Child Protection Conferences the social services have never once acknowledged the possibility that the mother or stepfather could have inflicted these injuries.
Emma attended the school with a large bruise on her forehead and informed her teacher that she had been hit by her step father. The Child Protection agencies were informed by the school and two days later Emma was placed into the care of her father.
At the end of last year Emma’s brother was punched so hard by the stepfather he was placed in the care of members of his family and he is still with them.
The couple have problems which are critical and in need of attention they cannot control their tempers and have been advised to attend anger management sessions. Both have dependency on alcohol. The social services knew of the domestic violence in this house as did Cafcass but yet refused to acknowledge it.
The social services are now applying for an Interim Care Order for the three children.
The father and his solicitor wonder why as Emma is safe now and doing remarkably better at school.
There is a lot more to this story but it is cloaked under the veil of confidentiality. The question needs answering why when the Social Services knew of the physical and emotional abuse these children were probably suffering did they not take action sooner to protect them.
Social Services failed to believe the father was the father preferring to believe the step father who said he had a DNA test which proved he was Emma’s birth father and did not engage with the real father until late 2007 The Social Services preferred to believe the step father who had changed Emma’s name claiming he was the father
This case is well documented by the amount of correspondence written to the Social Services workers and their superiors highlighting the concerns of the father and grandparents regarding the child but these were mostly ignored.
Jimmy Deuchars
Grandparents Apart UK
22 Alness crescent
Glasgow G52 1PJ
0141 882 5658
http://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Glasgow Councillors to Vote on Adopting The Charter for Grandchildren
On 18th February 2010 Glasgow Councillor Ruth Black backed by Councillors Iris Gibson, Alistair Watson, and last year Mathew Kerr all of Craigton Ward 4 will shortly raise a motion in the City Chambers for ‘The Charter for Grandchildren’ to be mandatory for professionals working in the welfare of children. Children have been losing out on the benefits their grandparents can provide because they are deemed irrelevant persons by professionals regarding their grandchildren. Ruth and her fellow councillors have recognised the huge benefit grandparents can be for early detection of child abuse and for caring which brings enormous savings to the public purse.
The Charter was created in 2005 by the Scottish Government but was for advisory only. Lately it was passed on to local authorities. Being advisory the professionals are reluctant to change their policies for it even although it is for the best interests of the children.
Where can Grandparents help?
Gordon Brown said there are 50,000 Dysfunctional families in Britain today.. With an average of 2 children in a family this gives us 100,000 children living in dysfunctional homes.
The increase in the drug and alcohol culture is overwhelming the funding available and officially considering the help of the army of willing grandparents must be in the best interests of the public purse and in a child’s best interest. Grandparents could be in a better position than any other organisation for care and early detection of child neglect and abuse and grandparents are usually willing to accommodate children in a crisis situation. So they should be the first point of contact.
Because of their unique insight into their family's shortcomings grandparents can provide a stable home environment not normally available in the care system. Social services do not recognise grandparents as relevant persons in their grandchildren's lives and if they raise a problem with the actions of social services they are often cast aside and told "we don't need to talk to you” This haughty attitude taken by social workers is never in a child's best interest if the children are in danger.
Why children need the respect from their grandparents..
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. Children are not being taught the respect, love and stability they need to grow up into decent citizens. It is well known that many children brought up in the care system are non achievers in life* and turn to gangs for that family belonging and have little respect for society or themselves.
Children given respect by society when they are young, will respect society when they are adults.
The Charter for Grandchildren does not give grandparents any rights of contact with their grandchildren but if it is mandatory it gives the children the right to expect professionals to comply with it or give reasons to the contrary. It does contain guidance for their grandparents to be recognised more seriously in their lives.
We believe, if all is well, there should be equal parenting with grandparents and extended family as a back up for the welfare of children.. Grandparents simply want to be considered more if the children are alone or have been abused or taken into care rather than go to strangers.
Other releases on this subject.
From the BBC
http://chatterboxblogforyou.blogspot.com/2010/01/four-million-children-living-in-poverty.html
The dangers of bringing a child up in care.
http://chatterboxblogforyou.blogspot.com/2010/02/grandad-would-have-been-better-for.html
Jimmy Deuchars
Grandparents Apart UK
22 Alness crescent
Glasgow G52 1PJ
0141 882 5658
http://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
The Charter was created in 2005 by the Scottish Government but was for advisory only. Lately it was passed on to local authorities. Being advisory the professionals are reluctant to change their policies for it even although it is for the best interests of the children.
Where can Grandparents help?
Gordon Brown said there are 50,000 Dysfunctional families in Britain today.. With an average of 2 children in a family this gives us 100,000 children living in dysfunctional homes.
The increase in the drug and alcohol culture is overwhelming the funding available and officially considering the help of the army of willing grandparents must be in the best interests of the public purse and in a child’s best interest. Grandparents could be in a better position than any other organisation for care and early detection of child neglect and abuse and grandparents are usually willing to accommodate children in a crisis situation. So they should be the first point of contact.
Because of their unique insight into their family's shortcomings grandparents can provide a stable home environment not normally available in the care system. Social services do not recognise grandparents as relevant persons in their grandchildren's lives and if they raise a problem with the actions of social services they are often cast aside and told "we don't need to talk to you” This haughty attitude taken by social workers is never in a child's best interest if the children are in danger.
Why children need the respect from their grandparents..
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. Children are not being taught the respect, love and stability they need to grow up into decent citizens. It is well known that many children brought up in the care system are non achievers in life* and turn to gangs for that family belonging and have little respect for society or themselves.
Children given respect by society when they are young, will respect society when they are adults.
The Charter for Grandchildren does not give grandparents any rights of contact with their grandchildren but if it is mandatory it gives the children the right to expect professionals to comply with it or give reasons to the contrary. It does contain guidance for their grandparents to be recognised more seriously in their lives.
We believe, if all is well, there should be equal parenting with grandparents and extended family as a back up for the welfare of children.. Grandparents simply want to be considered more if the children are alone or have been abused or taken into care rather than go to strangers.
Other releases on this subject.
From the BBC
http://chatterboxblogforyou.blogspot.com/2010/01/four-million-children-living-in-poverty.html
The dangers of bringing a child up in care.
http://chatterboxblogforyou.blogspot.com/2010/02/grandad-would-have-been-better-for.html
Jimmy Deuchars
Grandparents Apart UK
22 Alness crescent
Glasgow G52 1PJ
0141 882 5658
http://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
Monday, February 8, 2010
TV Company for Channel 4
Hi James,
I'm currently in the process of making a documentary for Channel 4 about fostering and I wondered if you might be able to help. One of the things the programme will be looking at is whether children who are put into foster care are always being cared for adequately and appropriately.
Contact: Grandparents Apart UK
0141 882 5658 or james@grandparents.fsnet.co.uk
if you would like to become involved
I'm currently in the process of making a documentary for Channel 4 about fostering and I wondered if you might be able to help. One of the things the programme will be looking at is whether children who are put into foster care are always being cared for adequately and appropriately.
Contact: Grandparents Apart UK
0141 882 5658 or james@grandparents.fsnet.co.uk
if you would like to become involved
Sunday, February 7, 2010
The Only Political Party for Grandparents.
SSCUP,
The Scottish Senior Citizens Party.
Where older people come first.
The is the only political party that supports grandparents and the only political party I have had straight answers from.
http://www.sscup.org/resources/SSCUP+news+final+version.pdf
The Scottish Senior Citizens Party.
Where older people come first.
The is the only political party that supports grandparents and the only political party I have had straight answers from.
http://www.sscup.org/resources/SSCUP+news+final+version.pdf
Friday, February 5, 2010
Update on Scots Mother who fled to Ireland.
Update on Scots Mother who fled to Ireland.
5th February 2010
Press release: Immediate.
A mother who fled to Ireland with her daughter to escape persecution from Scottish social services spoke to me on the phone. Sobbing hysterically she said “they are still persistently playing politics and hounding me claiming I was an unfit mother”
She went on, “It was a set up by people I trusted and they knew how to manipulate the social service system to make it look like I was an unfit mother” “I have repeatedly asked for an investigation but have been refused as it would bring out the truth and too many people would fall”. “So it is hushed up”. .
In between heartbreaking sobs she said “I have fallen and broken my legs and with the two of them in plaster I cannot get around much and I am stuck in one spot” “To make matters worse the Scottish social services are wrapping everything up in red tape and getting my case continued every time in an effort to wear me down to get me to come back to Scotland where I will be arrested for abducting my own daughter” “I have been labelled mad but never been examined by a doctor” I have never been to court and still have parental rights over my children, so how can I be charged for abducting my own daughter?” “The social services have also told my son in Scotland if he talks to any of my relatives he will be sent away”
“The Irish judge who heard the case and the Irish social services who have been dealing with me have found no fault with me I have passed every test.” “They have promised me when I get the plasters off and can walk again they will help me get a house and I will get my daughter back”
A social services spokesperson listened to this story and promised to investigate but when emailed months after about any outcome there was no reply. If the social services are honest and in the right why don’t they get this out in the open once and for all and end this persecution of two children and their mother in different countries. Surely it must be better for the children to get to the truth and let them lead a normal life or do they need to be seen to win and not beaten rather than ‘the best interests of the children’ saying which they so often use to exert their godlike power.
Ends
Jimmy Deuchars
Grandparents Apart UK
22 Alness crescent
Glasgow G52 1PJ
0141 882 5658
http://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
5th February 2010
Press release: Immediate.
A mother who fled to Ireland with her daughter to escape persecution from Scottish social services spoke to me on the phone. Sobbing hysterically she said “they are still persistently playing politics and hounding me claiming I was an unfit mother”
She went on, “It was a set up by people I trusted and they knew how to manipulate the social service system to make it look like I was an unfit mother” “I have repeatedly asked for an investigation but have been refused as it would bring out the truth and too many people would fall”. “So it is hushed up”. .
In between heartbreaking sobs she said “I have fallen and broken my legs and with the two of them in plaster I cannot get around much and I am stuck in one spot” “To make matters worse the Scottish social services are wrapping everything up in red tape and getting my case continued every time in an effort to wear me down to get me to come back to Scotland where I will be arrested for abducting my own daughter” “I have been labelled mad but never been examined by a doctor” I have never been to court and still have parental rights over my children, so how can I be charged for abducting my own daughter?” “The social services have also told my son in Scotland if he talks to any of my relatives he will be sent away”
“The Irish judge who heard the case and the Irish social services who have been dealing with me have found no fault with me I have passed every test.” “They have promised me when I get the plasters off and can walk again they will help me get a house and I will get my daughter back”
A social services spokesperson listened to this story and promised to investigate but when emailed months after about any outcome there was no reply. If the social services are honest and in the right why don’t they get this out in the open once and for all and end this persecution of two children and their mother in different countries. Surely it must be better for the children to get to the truth and let them lead a normal life or do they need to be seen to win and not beaten rather than ‘the best interests of the children’ saying which they so often use to exert their godlike power.
Ends
Jimmy Deuchars
Grandparents Apart UK
22 Alness crescent
Glasgow G52 1PJ
0141 882 5658
http://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
Gov Public Communications Unit
Dear Mr Deuchars
Thank you for your emails of 22 January, addressed to various Ministers, about grandparents applying for contact with their grandchildren.
I can only comment on the system in England and Wales, as family law is devolved in Scotland.
The Government recognises and values the important role which grandparents can play in children’s lives. Many grandparents are already involved with the care of their grandchildren and most children see their grandparents as important figures in their lives. Grandparents' lobby organisations in England and Wales told us that the requirement to seek leave of the court before applying for contact was an unnecessary and distressing hurdle for grandparents, and campaigned for this requirement to be removed. In recognition of the beneficial effect most grandparents have on their grandchildren's lives, we agreed to remove this requirement.
Your email refers to a 'legal right to your grandchildren'. The Government’s view is that any statutory presumption of contact, whether for grandparents, parents or other family members, would inevitably detract from the position set out in clause 1 of the Children Act 1989 – that the welfare of the child must be the paramount consideration of a court whenever it is deciding any question relating to the child’s upbringing. The Act focuses on the needs of the child rather than the rights of parents or relatives. The Act regards the primary responsibility for bringing up children in most families as resting with their parents and there may be cases where parents prefer to limit contact with grandparents. The Government does not intend, therefore, to introduce a presumption of contact for any family members.
Your email also discusses the difficulties grandparents face when a parent opposes their application for contact. The Government knows that there is dissatisfaction with the current adversarial court system, and wants to be certain that the system supports families as fully as possible in establishing and maintaining a co-operative approach to agreeing future arrangements when relationships break down, and does not unwittingly cause additional stress at what will already be a difficult time.
On 20 January 2010, the Secretaries of State for Justice and Children, Schools and Families, as well as the Welsh Assembly Government Minister for Health and Social Services, therefore announced their intention to launch a review of the family justice system.
The review will be conducted by a panel, comprising four representatives independent of Government and senior representatives from the Ministry of Justice, the Department for Children, Schools and Families, and the Welsh Assembly Government as relevant for devolved matters.
The review will be asked to make recommendations in two core areas:
(1) what steps can be taken to promote informed settlement and agreement; and (2) whether improvements need to be made to the way in which the system is managed.
It will be guided by the following principles:
1. The interests of the child should be paramount to any decision affecting them (and, linked to this, delays in determining the outcome of court applications should be kept to a minimum)
2. The court’s role should be focused on protecting the vulnerable from abuse, victimisation and exploitation and should avoid intervening in family life except where there is clear benefit to children and vulnerable adults in doing so;
3. Individuals should have the right information and support to enable them to take responsibility for the consequences of their relationship breakdown;
4. Mediation and similar support should be used as far as possible to support individuals themselves to reach agreement about arrangements, rather than having an arrangement imposed by the courts;
5. The processes for resolving family disputes and agreeing future arrangements should be easy to understand, simple and efficient;
6. Conflict between individuals should be minimised as far as possible.
The Review Panel will report on their findings in 2011.
You mention your concerns about the enforcement of contact orders because of the obstructive behaviour of the parent with whom the children reside. Where contact has been agreed or ordered by the courts, it is essential that it is adhered to. If, at the end of a long and difficult dispute, the contact ordered by the court does not take place, then it has been a waste of time and energy but, more importantly, the child is not benefiting from what the court has decided will promote their welfare. The enforcement of contact orders is a sensitive area. Deliberate refusal to obey any court order is contempt of court that can be punished with a fine or the Courts can impose community-based “enforcement orders” for unpaid work. The court also has the power to decide to transfer residence to the other (non-resident) parent if this is considered to be in the child’s best interests.
However, penalties such as fines and imprisonment may not always be appropriate in a child contact case because of the effect that this may have on the children at the centre of the dispute.
The Children and Adoption Act 2006 gave courts additional powers to facilitate contact and enforce contact orders. For instance, in addition to the current system of fines and imprisonment, they are able to refer parents to a counsellor or a parenting programme or make enforcement orders imposing requirements for unpaid work. The courts are also able to award financial compensation, for example where the cost of a holiday has been lost. These additional levers are available to the courts in any contact case, if the court considers they would assist resolution.
I hope this addresses your concerns.
Yours sincerely
Jill Sewell
Public Communications Unit
www.dcsf.gov.uk
Dear Mr Deuchars
Thank you for your email of 28 January, addressed to Ruth Kelly, concerning the Charter for Grandchildren.
As you may be aware the Families and Relationships Green Paper, published on 20 January 2010, announced the Government’s intention to remove the requirement for grandparents to obtain the permission of the court prior to applying for a contact order (the formal term for this requirement is applying for leave of the court) in recognition of the important role grandparents often play in their grandchildrens’ lives.
I understand the "Charter for Grandchildren" produced by the Scottish Executive was produced together with the Executive's new edition of the Parenting Plans. 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.
I can assure you that the Government recognises and values the important role which grandparents can play in children’s lives. Undoubtedly, many grandparents are already involved with the care of their grandchildren and most children see their grandparents as important figures in their lives. Of course, while grandparents may apply for a contact order through the courts, it is usually a more fruitful route for parents and grandparents to work cooperatively to ensure that children have ongoing contact where it is in their best interests. To support this we have published a revised edition of the Parenting Plans which highlights a range of issues parents and relatives may wish to consider in reaching agreement about contact arrangements. The Plans also provide a range of case studies giving examples of how others have reached agreement as well as a comprehensive list of support and advice agencies where parents and relatives can, if necessary, turn for advice. You can download our Parenting Plans publication from the Cafcass publications website below:
www.cafcass.gov.uk/publications/leaflefts_for_adults.aspx.
Yours sincerely
Jill Sewell
Public Communications Unit
www.dcsf.gov.uk
Thank you for your emails of 22 January, addressed to various Ministers, about grandparents applying for contact with their grandchildren.
I can only comment on the system in England and Wales, as family law is devolved in Scotland.
The Government recognises and values the important role which grandparents can play in children’s lives. Many grandparents are already involved with the care of their grandchildren and most children see their grandparents as important figures in their lives. Grandparents' lobby organisations in England and Wales told us that the requirement to seek leave of the court before applying for contact was an unnecessary and distressing hurdle for grandparents, and campaigned for this requirement to be removed. In recognition of the beneficial effect most grandparents have on their grandchildren's lives, we agreed to remove this requirement.
Your email refers to a 'legal right to your grandchildren'. The Government’s view is that any statutory presumption of contact, whether for grandparents, parents or other family members, would inevitably detract from the position set out in clause 1 of the Children Act 1989 – that the welfare of the child must be the paramount consideration of a court whenever it is deciding any question relating to the child’s upbringing. The Act focuses on the needs of the child rather than the rights of parents or relatives. The Act regards the primary responsibility for bringing up children in most families as resting with their parents and there may be cases where parents prefer to limit contact with grandparents. The Government does not intend, therefore, to introduce a presumption of contact for any family members.
Your email also discusses the difficulties grandparents face when a parent opposes their application for contact. The Government knows that there is dissatisfaction with the current adversarial court system, and wants to be certain that the system supports families as fully as possible in establishing and maintaining a co-operative approach to agreeing future arrangements when relationships break down, and does not unwittingly cause additional stress at what will already be a difficult time.
On 20 January 2010, the Secretaries of State for Justice and Children, Schools and Families, as well as the Welsh Assembly Government Minister for Health and Social Services, therefore announced their intention to launch a review of the family justice system.
The review will be conducted by a panel, comprising four representatives independent of Government and senior representatives from the Ministry of Justice, the Department for Children, Schools and Families, and the Welsh Assembly Government as relevant for devolved matters.
The review will be asked to make recommendations in two core areas:
(1) what steps can be taken to promote informed settlement and agreement; and (2) whether improvements need to be made to the way in which the system is managed.
It will be guided by the following principles:
1. The interests of the child should be paramount to any decision affecting them (and, linked to this, delays in determining the outcome of court applications should be kept to a minimum)
2. The court’s role should be focused on protecting the vulnerable from abuse, victimisation and exploitation and should avoid intervening in family life except where there is clear benefit to children and vulnerable adults in doing so;
3. Individuals should have the right information and support to enable them to take responsibility for the consequences of their relationship breakdown;
4. Mediation and similar support should be used as far as possible to support individuals themselves to reach agreement about arrangements, rather than having an arrangement imposed by the courts;
5. The processes for resolving family disputes and agreeing future arrangements should be easy to understand, simple and efficient;
6. Conflict between individuals should be minimised as far as possible.
The Review Panel will report on their findings in 2011.
You mention your concerns about the enforcement of contact orders because of the obstructive behaviour of the parent with whom the children reside. Where contact has been agreed or ordered by the courts, it is essential that it is adhered to. If, at the end of a long and difficult dispute, the contact ordered by the court does not take place, then it has been a waste of time and energy but, more importantly, the child is not benefiting from what the court has decided will promote their welfare. The enforcement of contact orders is a sensitive area. Deliberate refusal to obey any court order is contempt of court that can be punished with a fine or the Courts can impose community-based “enforcement orders” for unpaid work. The court also has the power to decide to transfer residence to the other (non-resident) parent if this is considered to be in the child’s best interests.
However, penalties such as fines and imprisonment may not always be appropriate in a child contact case because of the effect that this may have on the children at the centre of the dispute.
The Children and Adoption Act 2006 gave courts additional powers to facilitate contact and enforce contact orders. For instance, in addition to the current system of fines and imprisonment, they are able to refer parents to a counsellor or a parenting programme or make enforcement orders imposing requirements for unpaid work. The courts are also able to award financial compensation, for example where the cost of a holiday has been lost. These additional levers are available to the courts in any contact case, if the court considers they would assist resolution.
I hope this addresses your concerns.
Yours sincerely
Jill Sewell
Public Communications Unit
www.dcsf.gov.uk
Dear Mr Deuchars
Thank you for your email of 28 January, addressed to Ruth Kelly, concerning the Charter for Grandchildren.
As you may be aware the Families and Relationships Green Paper, published on 20 January 2010, announced the Government’s intention to remove the requirement for grandparents to obtain the permission of the court prior to applying for a contact order (the formal term for this requirement is applying for leave of the court) in recognition of the important role grandparents often play in their grandchildrens’ lives.
I understand the "Charter for Grandchildren" produced by the Scottish Executive was produced together with the Executive's new edition of the Parenting Plans. 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.
I can assure you that the Government recognises and values the important role which grandparents can play in children’s lives. Undoubtedly, many grandparents are already involved with the care of their grandchildren and most children see their grandparents as important figures in their lives. Of course, while grandparents may apply for a contact order through the courts, it is usually a more fruitful route for parents and grandparents to work cooperatively to ensure that children have ongoing contact where it is in their best interests. To support this we have published a revised edition of the Parenting Plans which highlights a range of issues parents and relatives may wish to consider in reaching agreement about contact arrangements. The Plans also provide a range of case studies giving examples of how others have reached agreement as well as a comprehensive list of support and advice agencies where parents and relatives can, if necessary, turn for advice. You can download our Parenting Plans publication from the Cafcass publications website below:
www.cafcass.gov.uk/publications/leaflefts_for_adults.aspx.
Yours sincerely
Jill Sewell
Public Communications Unit
www.dcsf.gov.uk
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Ed Balls. Grandparents Ubsurdity.
FAMILIES minister Ed Balls was accused of patronising 450,000 grandparents after launching a £2.2million website which provides “absurd” childcare tips.
Matthew Elliott, chief executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: “It’s important to consider the role of grandparents in looking after children, but this website has dumbed the subject down to absurdity.
Dot Gibson, general secretary of the National Pensioners Convention, said: “Grandparents don’t need to be told how to interact with children – they need to feel respected.
Mr Balls stressed (The only sensible thing he has said) the “invaluable role” played by millions of grandparents, but said that when families broke down they often found it difficult to maintain links with grandchildren. Under Government plans, they will no longer have to seek leave from the courts before applying for contact with grandchildren.
Jimmy Deuchars, manager of Grandparents Apart UK said; Scotland’s system already works on what Ed Balls is proposing and it has cost a lot of our members their lives savings spent on cases that had no chance of winning in the first place.
This statement above is an election gimmick to con the grandparents grey vote into thinking they are getting something. This can be extremely detrimental to grandparents who are totally devastated and very emotional at losing contact with their loved ones. Grandparents really need open and honest advice not election gimmicks.
Removing the need to get permission from a judge is removing a safety net and has saved lots of grandparents spending a fortune on cases that had no chance. We have already received adverts from lawyers offering discounts for grandparents wishing to go to court. So be warned! Seek a second opinion from non profit groups like ours.
Jimmy Deuchars
Grandparents Apart UK
22 Alness crescent
Glasgow G52 1PJ
0141 882 5658
http://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
Matthew Elliott, chief executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: “It’s important to consider the role of grandparents in looking after children, but this website has dumbed the subject down to absurdity.
Dot Gibson, general secretary of the National Pensioners Convention, said: “Grandparents don’t need to be told how to interact with children – they need to feel respected.
Mr Balls stressed (The only sensible thing he has said) the “invaluable role” played by millions of grandparents, but said that when families broke down they often found it difficult to maintain links with grandchildren. Under Government plans, they will no longer have to seek leave from the courts before applying for contact with grandchildren.
Jimmy Deuchars, manager of Grandparents Apart UK said; Scotland’s system already works on what Ed Balls is proposing and it has cost a lot of our members their lives savings spent on cases that had no chance of winning in the first place.
This statement above is an election gimmick to con the grandparents grey vote into thinking they are getting something. This can be extremely detrimental to grandparents who are totally devastated and very emotional at losing contact with their loved ones. Grandparents really need open and honest advice not election gimmicks.
Removing the need to get permission from a judge is removing a safety net and has saved lots of grandparents spending a fortune on cases that had no chance. We have already received adverts from lawyers offering discounts for grandparents wishing to go to court. So be warned! Seek a second opinion from non profit groups like ours.
Jimmy Deuchars
Grandparents Apart UK
22 Alness crescent
Glasgow G52 1PJ
0141 882 5658
http://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Ladette Britain: Violence among women soars as record 250 are arrested every day
Ladette Britain: Violence among women soars as record 250 are arrested every day
By James Slack
Last updated at 7:50 AM on 29th January 2010
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1246802/Record-number-women-arrested-violent-crimes.html
Record: More than 88,000 women were arrested for violent offences in a year (Posed by model)
Ten 'ladettes' were detained every hour for a violent crime last year - an all-time record.
Where a women is arrested she is now more likely than a man to be a suspect in cases of wounding or other assaults.
Some 88,139 women were arrested for violence over 12 months - nearly 250 every day. That is an increase of nearly 1,000 on a year earlier.
The number of men arrested for violence fell by 10,000.
It is the second straight year in which women were more likely to be held for crimes of violence than for any other offence. Shoplifting had previously led the list.
Violence against the person - a category which includes manslaughter, assault and grievous bodily harm - accounted for 35 per cent of all arrests of women. This compared with 30 per cent of arrests of men.
The figures were even more stark in Hampshire - 48 per cent of women arrested in the county were suspected of violence. Since 2002, the number of women arrested for violent crime has more than doubled.
Dominic Grieve, the Tory justice spokesman, said the figures were deeply disturbing.
'That an increasing number of women are resorting to crime, including fraud, drugs and violence, is a damning indictment on this Government's failure to get to grips with a range of social problems,' he said.
Experts have blamed increasing levels of drunkenness among young women on Labour's 24-hour drinking laws. There have been a string of shocking cases of vicious gang attacks by females.
More...
• Professional women are the new big drinkers: They down double the alcohol of those in lower paid jobs
Chelsea O'Mahoney was 14 when she took part in a 'happy-slapping' attack in which a man was beaten to death. She filmed her friends on her mobile phone as they battered bar manager David Morley, a survivor of the Soho bombings. She then kicked his head like a football and gloated: 'Pose for the camera.' O'Mahoney was jailed for eight years for manslaughter in 2006.
Dr David Green, director of the Civitas think-tank, said there had been a trend among some young females to become more like men and then emulate the very worst of them.
But Police Minister David Hanson said: 'Overall violence has fallen by 49 per cent since 1995 and we welcome the fact that with historically high numbers of police on the streets they are taking tough action against violence by arresting more criminals.
'Women commit less than a quarter of all violent crimes, but we know it has a devastating effect on communities.
'We are not complacent about any serious crime, which is why we have invested heavily in tackling violence of all kinds through responsive policing, tough powers, and funding for prevention projects.'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1246802/Record-number-women-arrested-violent-crimes.html#ixzz0eHvi2otl
By James Slack
Last updated at 7:50 AM on 29th January 2010
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1246802/Record-number-women-arrested-violent-crimes.html
Record: More than 88,000 women were arrested for violent offences in a year (Posed by model)
Ten 'ladettes' were detained every hour for a violent crime last year - an all-time record.
Where a women is arrested she is now more likely than a man to be a suspect in cases of wounding or other assaults.
Some 88,139 women were arrested for violence over 12 months - nearly 250 every day. That is an increase of nearly 1,000 on a year earlier.
The number of men arrested for violence fell by 10,000.
It is the second straight year in which women were more likely to be held for crimes of violence than for any other offence. Shoplifting had previously led the list.
Violence against the person - a category which includes manslaughter, assault and grievous bodily harm - accounted for 35 per cent of all arrests of women. This compared with 30 per cent of arrests of men.
The figures were even more stark in Hampshire - 48 per cent of women arrested in the county were suspected of violence. Since 2002, the number of women arrested for violent crime has more than doubled.
Dominic Grieve, the Tory justice spokesman, said the figures were deeply disturbing.
'That an increasing number of women are resorting to crime, including fraud, drugs and violence, is a damning indictment on this Government's failure to get to grips with a range of social problems,' he said.
Experts have blamed increasing levels of drunkenness among young women on Labour's 24-hour drinking laws. There have been a string of shocking cases of vicious gang attacks by females.
More...
• Professional women are the new big drinkers: They down double the alcohol of those in lower paid jobs
Chelsea O'Mahoney was 14 when she took part in a 'happy-slapping' attack in which a man was beaten to death. She filmed her friends on her mobile phone as they battered bar manager David Morley, a survivor of the Soho bombings. She then kicked his head like a football and gloated: 'Pose for the camera.' O'Mahoney was jailed for eight years for manslaughter in 2006.
Dr David Green, director of the Civitas think-tank, said there had been a trend among some young females to become more like men and then emulate the very worst of them.
But Police Minister David Hanson said: 'Overall violence has fallen by 49 per cent since 1995 and we welcome the fact that with historically high numbers of police on the streets they are taking tough action against violence by arresting more criminals.
'Women commit less than a quarter of all violent crimes, but we know it has a devastating effect on communities.
'We are not complacent about any serious crime, which is why we have invested heavily in tackling violence of all kinds through responsive policing, tough powers, and funding for prevention projects.'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1246802/Record-number-women-arrested-violent-crimes.html#ixzz0eHvi2otl
Monday, February 1, 2010
Grandad would have been better for the boy.
The problems of being raised in care?
Harry lost his son through drugs leaving three children. Two of the boys were taken by members of the family but the remaining 10 year old was taken into care. Harry tried to take the boy into his home to bring him up but social services said he was too old. Now Harry is a devout catholic, has a spotless house was a cook in the merchant navy and still supplies old people in his block with fresh soup and cooked meals.
The grandson was moved about to several places and Harry did have contact until he noticed the boy was filthy and in tatters. Harry complained about the state he was in and that was the last he saw of him. The social worker told him his grandson did not want to see him again and the grandson was told his granda did not want to see him. Our group supported Harry and helped him get back letter contact and photos but this only happened once or twice. Mysteriously things were always going astray.
Years later Harry met his grandson when he was sixteen and the boy kept coming up to see his granddad. An interview* was conducted with the boy and he never had the chance to do any exams at school or obtain any kind of qualifications. He hung about with a gang drinking and getting into all sorts of trouble. One of our other members who had been supporting Harry wrote a letter for the boy to join the merchant navy and Harry tried to get him away from the gang but because he had been with them a long time the easy life lured him back.
If the boy had been left with his granddad who is just as capable now as he was then but was said to be too old he would have had a religious upbringing, kept in a clean home environment and would have been encouraged to do well at school and learn the skills his granddad has known
Instead he has become a non achiever, uncooperative, gang member flunking every chance of a job that is given him and very rebellious of society.
Can you blame him?
This is a true story. Names have been changed.
* Questionnaire conducted is available in our book ‘Grandparents speak out for Vulnerable Children’ from us Price £4.00 inc P&P.
Jimmy Deuchars
Grandparents Apart UK
22 Alness crescent
Glasgow G52 1PJ
0141 882 5658
http://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
Harry lost his son through drugs leaving three children. Two of the boys were taken by members of the family but the remaining 10 year old was taken into care. Harry tried to take the boy into his home to bring him up but social services said he was too old. Now Harry is a devout catholic, has a spotless house was a cook in the merchant navy and still supplies old people in his block with fresh soup and cooked meals.
The grandson was moved about to several places and Harry did have contact until he noticed the boy was filthy and in tatters. Harry complained about the state he was in and that was the last he saw of him. The social worker told him his grandson did not want to see him again and the grandson was told his granda did not want to see him. Our group supported Harry and helped him get back letter contact and photos but this only happened once or twice. Mysteriously things were always going astray.
Years later Harry met his grandson when he was sixteen and the boy kept coming up to see his granddad. An interview* was conducted with the boy and he never had the chance to do any exams at school or obtain any kind of qualifications. He hung about with a gang drinking and getting into all sorts of trouble. One of our other members who had been supporting Harry wrote a letter for the boy to join the merchant navy and Harry tried to get him away from the gang but because he had been with them a long time the easy life lured him back.
If the boy had been left with his granddad who is just as capable now as he was then but was said to be too old he would have had a religious upbringing, kept in a clean home environment and would have been encouraged to do well at school and learn the skills his granddad has known
Instead he has become a non achiever, uncooperative, gang member flunking every chance of a job that is given him and very rebellious of society.
Can you blame him?
This is a true story. Names have been changed.
* Questionnaire conducted is available in our book ‘Grandparents speak out for Vulnerable Children’ from us Price £4.00 inc P&P.
Jimmy Deuchars
Grandparents Apart UK
22 Alness crescent
Glasgow G52 1PJ
0141 882 5658
http://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
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