Family and Friends Forum

Can I refuse a ss assessment?

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Bub84

Member since
January 2024

106 posts

Posted Fri October 4, 2024 10:16amReport post

We are 13 months in and ss opened and closed their case within the first few months after completing their assessment and my children being on a child in need plan for a couple of months. Now they have been in contact again saying they want to do another assessment even though nothing has changed. Same bail conditions are in place which allows my husband to be home during the day he just can't sleep here or be left unsupervised. I have spoken to my children and they have both said they don't want to talk to social services again and don't want them in our home. Can I refuse another assessment or will they take our kids away if I do refuse? We have been trying our hardest to keep things as normal as possible for our children through all of this and I don't want them to be put through unnecessary stress or upset when they themselves have chosen to not want anything to do with social services. My husband had a mental health crisis last night due to the pressure of police and ss and I had to drag my children out of bed in the middle of the night to go and calm him down at his mums before bringing my children back home to sleep. I just want to keep my family safe and happy and all this added pressure to have another assessment and court in a few weeks is really affecting not only my husband's mental health but my children's too xx

Distressed and pregnant

Member since
November 2020

994 posts

Posted Fri October 4, 2024 12:09pmReport post

Hi,

could you perhaps ask them to postpone their assessment until after court? Did they say much about their reasoning for another assessment when nothing has changed? I believe any work with them is voluntary when you are child in need or lower but obviously there is always the possibility that they could escalate if they think you're hiding something by not allowing them to assess.
Your children should be heard and if they have expressed that they'd rather not engage with ss at this time then you can voice this on their behalf xxx

Holdingthegrenade

Member since
June 2024

118 posts

Posted Fri October 4, 2024 1:39pmReport post

I have a bad experience of refusing or questioning as it lead to escalation, removal of access and threats of court. However you are perfectly within your rights to explain your concerns, and speak up on behalf of your children and explain your reasons why you'd prefer it was postponed. You know your children best, you see them every day and you know how they're coping. If they've specifically said they don't want to see social services.....tell them that. You're only being truthful.

Bub84

Member since
January 2024

106 posts

Posted Mon October 14, 2024 3:33pmReport post

After ignoring ss for just over a week I've given in and allowed them to visit. They are coming at 4pm today and I'm dreading it xx

kmiller

Member since
June 2023

8 posts

Posted Mon October 14, 2024 3:44pmReport post

It's good that you're letting them visit. Hopefully, it'll show them you're willing to cooperate, which might help get things moving in the right direction. Just take it one step at a time, and try not to overthink it. You’re doing what you can to keep things stable for your family, and that's what matters most. Hang in there—wishing you the best for today

Pinkey2019

Member since
July 2022

44 posts

Posted Mon October 14, 2024 3:51pmReport post

Good luck for today

Distressed and pregnant

Member since
November 2020

994 posts

Posted Mon October 14, 2024 5:52pmReport post

I hope everything went well today xxx

Bub84

Member since
January 2024

106 posts

Posted Mon October 14, 2024 9:14pmReport post

Thank you for your replies. It looks like they will be closing the case but I find out for definite in a few days. Xx

Janine

Member since
October 2024

1 post

Posted Fri October 18, 2024 4:51amReport post

Hope things go well for you xxx

Bub84

Member since
January 2024

106 posts

Posted Tue October 29, 2024 3:40pmReport post

Social services have over ruled our decision not to do an assessment and are doing one anyway with the aim to put our kids on a child protection plan all because of miscommunication between various police departments and social workers.