Working with families and care
Josh's story
Josh is nine and had been living in a foster home for a few
weeks when he was visited by Paul, a Children's Guardian from
Cafcass. Paul's job was to find out how Josh was coping with being
in care and where he wished to live in the future.
Paul visited Josh after school at his foster carer's house and
they chatted about things that interested Josh: his Gameboy,
favourite television programmes and where he had been on holiday.
They also talked about the court case involving Josh's family and
Paul explained that it was his job to inform the court of Josh's
wishes. He also had to advise the court on what he thought would be
the best option for Josh. Josh was happy to talk to Paul because he
was pleased that someone was taking his feelings into account.
Josh told Paul that he really wanted to go home to his mother.
He missed her and his brothers and sisters and his pet dog Tommy.
Paul checked with Josh that he knew what had gone wrong at home,
and Josh told Paul everything he could remember about it. He made
Paul promise to write everything down to ensure that he didn't
leave anything out or get the facts wrong. Paul explained to Josh
that there were a number of issues that needed to be looked at
before he would be able to say whether that would be a good idea or
not. Paul left a leaflet with Josh explaining his role and promised
to find out about Josh spending time with his dog.
The next time Paul visited he brought along a solicitor called
Fiona to speak with Josh. Paul asked Josh to explain to Fiona how
he felt so that she could be sure she was clear of his wishes.
Fiona reassured Josh that he could phone her at any time if he was
uncertain or unhappy about anything to do with the court case.
Paul paid Josh two more visits, the final one to go through his
court report. He told Josh exactly what he had written and how he
had come to his conclusions. They discussed the situation in detail
and Paul checked with Josh that he hadn't changed his mind since
the last time they spoke and that he didn't have anything further
he wanted to add before Paul attended the court hearing. Josh
assured Paul that he hadn't changed his mind. He told Paul that he
felt sure that the judge would know everything he needed to know
about him and his family, and also that he felt confident that Paul
would say what he wanted, even if Paul didn't agree with everything
Josh had asked for.
Cerys' Story
Fifteen-year-old Cerys has been in and out of foster
care and children's homes since the age of eight or nine. In
that time, she had returned to live with her mother on a number of
occasions. Recently, however, Cerys' grandmother had moved home to
be closer to her daughter and granddaughter and Cerys' social
worker had agreed that it would be possible for Cerys to move in
with her grandmother.
Last year, Cerys' school attendance was very poor and she kept
running away from home because her relationship with her mother had
deteriorated to such an extent. Her social worker was so concerned
about her welfare that an application was made to the court to have
Cerys placed in secure accommodation in an attempt to keep her out
of serious trouble. Fortunately things seemed to have settled down
recently for Cerys and her attendance at school has improved
considerably.
Cerys has a Children's Guardian named Gwyneth who meets with
Cerys' whenever there is a matter concerning her brought to court.
Gwyneth also speaks with Cerys' family, social worker and teachers.
She ensures that she finds out what Cerys wants to happen, which is
sometimes a difficult task as Cerys admits that she often doesn't
know herself. Cerys told Gwyneth that she has waited so long for
her mother to sort their situation out that she now believes her
mother will always let her down. Before, Cerys always told Gwyneth
she wanted to move back home with her mother, but she no longer
considers this a possibility.
Her situation improved dramatically once she moved in with her
grandmother and Cerys appeared happy to continue with this
arrangement. Gwyneth therefore suggested that Cerys' grandmother
apply to the court for a residence order. If granted by the court,
Cerys would no longer be looked after by Social Services and her
grandmother would be responsible for her.
Cerys' only concern was that, because she would be living with
her grandmother, her mother would think she could interfere in her
life once more. Gwyneth understood Cerys' concerns and discussed
this potential problem with her social worker, grandmother and
mother before the proceedings went ahead.
Once the application for a residence order was submitted,
Gwyneth introduced Cerys to a solicitor who would speak on her
behalf in court. Cerys' social worker had made it clear she was not
convinced that a residence order would be in Cerys' best interests.
Gwyneth included this opinion, along with everyone else's involved,
in her report for the court. Cerys asked Gwyneth if she would be
able to attend the court hearing, and Gwyneth said she would
request permission from the court for Cerys to do so.
The next step is the court hearing, where the judge will listen
to what everyone has to say and then will make a decision. Cerys is
pleased that her wishes will be considered by the judge. She
accepts that, even if her grandmother is not granted a residence
order, she would still be able to continue living with her
grandmother while under the care of social services.