Is a Child In Need Plan ‘truly’ voluntary?
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My husband was recently arrested for IIOC, and has not been living in the family home since. He is not allowed to see our children at least until bail review in mid-April. We have two children aged 14 and 10. The social worker has suggested they want to put them on a CIN plan and that following bail review, contact with dad will need to be supervised. This is all fine and I consent to it and understand why it has to happen.
However, we also have my 17 year old sister (18 in 6 months) living with us under a Special Guardianship Order. I’ve just sat her down to tell her about the CIN plans, and she has basically told me that she doesn’t want to be on one, and that she won’t engage. She’s never had any positive experiences with children’s services, who failed to safeguard her from the abuse and neglect she suffered when she lived with her mum, and so will not engage with them now. She also says that in her opinion she is neither a child, nor is she in need.
I’ve tried to call the SW to discuss but haven’t heard back yet. My own children are desperately missing their dad, but also I want to respect my sisters thoughts about not being on a CIN plan. She is not bothered about having any visits with my husband (there’s no issues there at all, they’re just not that close) but crucially, will her refusal to be on a CIN plan affect my 2 being able to see their dad..?
However, we also have my 17 year old sister (18 in 6 months) living with us under a Special Guardianship Order. I’ve just sat her down to tell her about the CIN plans, and she has basically told me that she doesn’t want to be on one, and that she won’t engage. She’s never had any positive experiences with children’s services, who failed to safeguard her from the abuse and neglect she suffered when she lived with her mum, and so will not engage with them now. She also says that in her opinion she is neither a child, nor is she in need.
I’ve tried to call the SW to discuss but haven’t heard back yet. My own children are desperately missing their dad, but also I want to respect my sisters thoughts about not being on a CIN plan. She is not bothered about having any visits with my husband (there’s no issues there at all, they’re just not that close) but crucially, will her refusal to be on a CIN plan affect my 2 being able to see their dad..?
Hi,
A CIN plan in my local authority is attached to the child not the family. So, for example a sibling can be on a CIN or CP plan and another not - it's rare but usually for reasons you've outlined regarding age. I've also known a teen on a plan due to their behaviour in the community (county lines stuff) and the other children in the house not.
I'd expect them to request to obtain wishes and feelings etc of anyone in the house but she's not obligated to answer any questions. They shouldn't force her to engage.
As for 'voluntary' bit. A CIN plan is voluntary unless there are further concerns. E.g. not engaging and risk is still present. Social care would then hold a strategy meeting with other agencies and decide if you require an initial child protection conference with the view to placing children on a CP plan. I wouldn't expect her refusing to talk with the SW a reason for your children not being able to see their dad (or a reason to go on a CP plan).
Would be good to find out what they want to offer you as a CIN plan should be a focused intervention.
xXx
A CIN plan in my local authority is attached to the child not the family. So, for example a sibling can be on a CIN or CP plan and another not - it's rare but usually for reasons you've outlined regarding age. I've also known a teen on a plan due to their behaviour in the community (county lines stuff) and the other children in the house not.
I'd expect them to request to obtain wishes and feelings etc of anyone in the house but she's not obligated to answer any questions. They shouldn't force her to engage.
As for 'voluntary' bit. A CIN plan is voluntary unless there are further concerns. E.g. not engaging and risk is still present. Social care would then hold a strategy meeting with other agencies and decide if you require an initial child protection conference with the view to placing children on a CP plan. I wouldn't expect her refusing to talk with the SW a reason for your children not being able to see their dad (or a reason to go on a CP plan).
Would be good to find out what they want to offer you as a CIN plan should be a focused intervention.
xXx
Thank you for responding. That's interesting that a CIN is not necessarily for every child in the family. I hope that our LA takes into consideration all three of their individual needs and wishes in this way.
I'm going to try calling SW again tomorrow as it's now only 8 days until bail review and my husbands solicitor has told him that without written authorisation from children's services, the bail condition that he can't see his children will be renewed by the police for a further set period of time :(
I'm going to try calling SW again tomorrow as it's now only 8 days until bail review and my husbands solicitor has told him that without written authorisation from children's services, the bail condition that he can't see his children will be renewed by the police for a further set period of time :(
I agree that calling the FRG would be the way forward. They are so knowledgeable and helpful and from my experience I've never needed to wait on hold too long. They also (if you want them too) take some notes so if you call again you won't have to re explain your situation.
Good luck xx
Good luck xx
Thank you both for replying x
So I texted the SW to explain about my sister not wanting to be on a CIN plan, and she replied agreeing that due to her age and wishes she will not be on one. I'm so relieved that's one less thing to worry about!
So I texted the SW to explain about my sister not wanting to be on a CIN plan, and she replied agreeing that due to her age and wishes she will not be on one. I'm so relieved that's one less thing to worry about!
Good to hear. Sounds as though she's a fairly reasonable social worker. Hope it all goes as well as possible.
xXx
xXx