13 Year Old Run Away To Mum's Friends House

loulou111 | 08:33 Sat 17th Sep 2016 | Law

17 Answers

A 13 year old has lived with her dad and his girlfriend for 3 years. Dad got parental responsibility and residency after social services took her from mothers care. Mother has a friend who is two faced sides with both mother and father. Child ran away saying she didn't like arguing at home between dad and his partner. This friend has been saying the 13 year old will move in with her calling her her "daughter".13 year old has blocked dad off social media and wont take his calls. Mothers partner 3 years ago abused her hence dad getting custody. Yes arguments have occurred at home but not huge ones. She went out to see friends allegedly, but didn't come home.. We believe she's being heavily influenced by mum's friend. Mum doesn't have much contact. Her friend tried to get residency before and failed. This has been over a week. Social worker coming out next week. What are the chances of her coming home. Social services don't seem interested other than that she's safe. We are climbing the wall. Not sure what to say to the social worker :(. Seems residency orders mean nothing. Police say it's up to social services.Any advice will be appreciated

Import Tax On Own Property

Highway Section 154

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ummmm

Best Answer

I've had dealings with SS and they interviewed me and the kids separately. The issues I had was through bereavement and my son not coping very well. SS were brilliant and arranged counselling. They do have the childs best interest at heart.

08:51 Sat 17th Sep 2016

Go To Best Answer

ummmm

SS will come and speak to her dad and also speak to the child and decide what is best for her from there.

At 13 what she wants will be taken into consideration.

loulou111

Question Author

That's what I'm worried about. I hope they can speak to her alone without her being heavily influenced in what to say

ummmm

Maydup

You say that SS don't seem to be interested, yet they are coming out next week, so that's good progress. Poor girl must be upset and confused.

They will understand and see the clearer picture, lets hope its sorted soon.

loulou111

Question Author

I don't mean not interested as in not caring. I just mean it took a week of her being reported missing to social services making any contact

loulou111

Question Author

I really hope so to I just want to understand what's troubling her and try and help to make her feel better and move foam positively. It's all such a mess

loulou111

Question Author

Move forward I mean typing to fast !

bednobs

its difficult but what is the problem with her staying with the mums friend? Seems like a sensible compromise on the face of it.

loulou111

Question Author

Nothing in terms of her safety. But she heavily influences 13 year old to live with her permanently. She tried to get residency 3 years ago the social worker at the time said the house was to overcrowded and she wasn't a family member so not suitable. She wouldn't pass the initial check. That's all I know

Maydup

From the very small amount of info we have, its diffcult to tell whether Mum's friend is interferring and manipulative, or a peace making saint!

What was her reason for going for custody over the father? If the child is safe, then take one day at a time and if you are a relative too, how about inviting the girl to a family activity this weekend?

bednobs

if the child is safe, and the living situation has not changed from when she tried to get residency before, then i really can't see a problem - residency won't be grnted agin and while its all getting sorted, she is safe

loulou111

Question Author

Thanks for the answers

EDDIE51

As always in this type of question I have to say this.
The social services/family court can make ONLY ONE decision in a case like this and that is to do 'whatever is in the best interest of the child '
That is the ONLY decision the law allows them to make, nothing else is even possible. The S/S will look at all factors and decide what is 'in the child's best interest' and do whatever it is.

Peter Pedant

eddie is correcticus
the children act says the interests of the child are paramount

both police and the SS are involved
there is nothing more to do except watch

loulou111

Question Author

Thanks

Peter Pedant