Family and Friends Forum

A.

Member since
April 2023

43 posts

Posted Sun October 29, 2023 2:21pmReport post

Hi, can anybody help. We've been on CIN plan since 2nd of Feb. Was told that we would have family network meetings every 4-6 weeks to keep updating everyone and completing actions on the plan. We've only had 3. With two cancelled now, and to now be told we won't be having anymore until the investigation is closed (bail keeps being extended and nearly a year down post arrest). Is this something that can happen? I feel like im being ignored and we have questions, so many questions. I feel so frustrated and overwhelmed. I wish SS were supportive!

rainyday52

Member since
April 2023

447 posts

Posted Sun October 29, 2023 3:11pmReport post

Hi A,

I'm guessing your 'family and network' meetings are what our SS calls 'core' meetings which we have every month with, in our case, family members, school personnel, care agencies, the OIC and of course the key SW. If it is the same thing then you are definitely being short changed and it would be appropriate to complain.

We are now on a CPP but the core meetings are basically the same. Do you have a 'circle of safety' which states the expectations for all involved (perhaps it's called something else like a safety plan). At our meetings we just go through that and give updates where appropriate so in this slow moving situation often there's not much to say and it takes very little time but without that date in the diary we would feel very frustrated as it's a place to officially ask questions etc.

We have to have our meetings as it's gone to CP whereas for you it's voluntary and the fact that you want these meetings shows your commitment to work with SS so it seems very short sighted of them not to respect that.

Just guessing but perhaps they are very over worked and short staffed so you have become a victim of that as you're easy to fob off. I really would object strongly as if you did something to breach the plan you would certainly have them down on you like a ton of hot bricks so it's very unfair of them to neglect you.

Inthemoment

Member since
February 2023

358 posts

Posted Sun October 29, 2023 4:26pmReport post

A child in need review meeting can be held UK to 6 months apart but most local authorities commit to them being every 4-6 weeks

Core group meetings are the same thing but when you're under a child protection plan

Child in need is voluntary. If you are not receiving a service you can write to the local authority and explain you no longer wish to be in receipt of their services and it should end. You may get re referred after sentencing

rainyday52

Member since
April 2023

447 posts

Posted Sun October 29, 2023 8:55pmReport post

Ah thank you for the accurate info Inthemoment - I didn't realise we'd changed to a different system when we went from CIN to CP as we've had monthly meetings for both with all the same people there.