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Hello, how are you today?
My name is ***** ***** I am going to see if I can assist with your query. Let me just read your first post. I may need to ask you additional questions after I have read it, and if I do, they will appear in my next response. It is important you answer all the questions I ask, so that I have the information I need to give you an accurate response.
JA is a Q&A website, and this ‘chat’ is email based, which means responses may not be immediate. Do rest assured however, that I will be providing you with an answer to your query today.
The site will offer a phone call, this is automated and it is important for you to know that I do not make calls. I will answer your query online.
Has your father been advised by social services to get the SGO?
How old is your child?
What does the child's father say about this? If he is not in the picture, is he named on the birth certificate?
Has a hearing been set yet?
Did he notify the local authority of his intention?
Have you received any paperwork from court then?
Have social services been in contact with you?
So he has just told you that he is applying?
Showed a police officer what exactly?
So he has in fact informed social services, but they have not contacted you? Have you contacted them?
Has your father explained what he is doing and why?
You said the child had been living with your father for two years, so why were you trying to remove her?
Also, why is she living with your father - what specific issues have there been to mean that has happened?
You need to contact the local authority to find out what they have done so far. You also need to ask your father whether he has applied to court and if so, when the hearing is listed for.
In all honesty, without the information you are just going to be asking questions that no one can answer fully for you.
But what I can tell you is that just because your father has applied for the SGO does not mean he will get it. A judge has to make that decision, and a judge will want all the evidence first, including any progress you have made and whether you are fit and well to care for the child. So do try not to worry too much before you manage to gather the information that will guide you as to exactly what has been said.
Unless you are completely unfit, it is unlikely an SGO will be granted, and far more likely that a court will make a child arrangements order. But as above, that will be a matter for the judge once he or she has seen/heard all the evidence.
Yes, see your GP/health care professionals, have a chat with them about improvements to your health, and let them know that court proceedings will be starting soon and you will likely need a letter confirming how your health is.
Ensure your house/flat is all in order - clean, tidy, fridge/cupboards stocked etc., as social services will no doubt be around to do a check on you at some point. This is not said to be insulting to you, more because these are the things they look at when someone has had issues looking after their kids. The same goes for your own appearance.
This is about you presenting the best place for your child to be, as the court, as a matter of priority, considers the child's best interests, not just what the carers want.
You're very welcome.
Glad I could assist.
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All the best!
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