Grandparents rights

[Bevang]

Our daughter has had 2 of her children (12 & 13) taken in to care with foster parents. The younger 2 children live with their father, the older 2 are from previous relationships and do not have any contact with their fathers. Due to a family dispute our daughter will not speak to us ans refuses to let us have any contact with the children despite them pleading to be able to see us. Social services just say to ask our daughter for access but how can we when she won't speak to us? Do we have any rights to see the 2 older children? We can see the 2 younger ones and have a good relationship with their father.

[Pippa68]

There is no such thing as grandparents rights, neither are there parental rights ~ all the rights are with the children, in law.

It is your granchilds right to contact with her family which is the issue, and the only way you can get hlafway to solving this is through the court ~ which can be expensive!

If you have tried all avenues besides the courts, I would suggest a meeting with the CAB or maybe a free half hour with a solicitor. They can advise as to whether you have a case, and where to go from there.

Good luck x

[jedimistress]

I heard that there were such thing as grand parents rights but maybe Pippa is right. I read about grandparents having access to their grandchildren even when they are in foster care when I was researching my own situation.

I really can empathise and am so sorry for what you are going through. I would like to see my alcoholic / drug abusing sister's children in a safe and stable home. I have been tp the NSPCC, police and social services. My dealings withe the social services left a lot to be desired. in the past I had only heard about trouble with them, now I can see first hand. They are just someone my sister has easily manipulated with promises and lies. And I thought they would know better.

[Pippa68]

I think that was down to childrens rights, not grandparents, jedimistress.

However when you think about it for long enough I guess they could both go hand in hand. It might be a long-winded process, but worth investigating.

If Bevang (and other grandparents) have enjoyed regular visits and a loving relationship with their grandchildren then surely the children benefit ~ which is the issue in law.

[FROGGY51171]

i agree with pippa38, if there is no reason for you not to see your other grandchildren for example they are not in any danger then you should try to persue it even if it takes a while the children can only benefit from a relationship with extended family and rest assured that soon enough these two children will be old enough to make there own mind up as to whether they want to see you or not good luck and hang in there

[FROGGY51171]

sorry pippa68