Grandparents and child in foster care

[gumboil]

My late sister's son, who is aged twelve, has recently been placed in foster care by the social services. The boy appears to have learning difficulties and it appears that his dad has made virtually no contribution to his upbringing and welfare apart from keeping a roof over the lads head. As we understand, the father does not even talk to the boy. Fortunately, the new partner of the father appreciated the need to maintain contact with the boy's grandparents and she has been taking him to their home once every four weeks or so for quite a few years.

The grandparents have learnt out of the blue this week from the lad's stepmother that he boy was placed in foster care some seven weeks ago by social services. The call was short and no explanation was forthcoming about the reasons behind the decision. Arrangements have been made for an explanation at a future date.

What I'd like to know is what rights do the grandparents have to see the boy under these circumstances. The social services did not contact them about this and at face value, it seems as if they did not know they existed. This seems very extraordinary as I assume that the social services must have asked the father if there were any grandparents on the scene. My parents are anxious to maintain contact with their grandson but are too elderly and infirm to care for him themselves.

I was always led to believe that social services would seek to rehome a child with other members of the family before involving a foster carer, and this might well be possible. Yet the social services don't seem to have bothered to establish if this was possible and I find it very odd.

I really would appreciate any help you can give me.

Many thanks.

[oldmaggie]

The grandparents need to contact the SS asking them what has happened to their grandson. If court case is pending for care order or in fact has been to court they should request to be made a party to the case. They will then receive all reports etc and be able to make their own case for contact etc.

[pinktwink]

perhaps social services were not sdvised of your interest. When taking children in to care parents are asked if a relative would be available. Perhaps none were suggested. It would be best to contact and write to social services advising them of your interest. Also you could obtain legal advice from a family lawyer. Good luck . It is much better for children to remain in family care if at all possible.