I Have an Awful Past BUT Still Want Contact With My Children

There is a presumption in UK law that both parents have a right to a relationship with their child. However, sometimes one or even both parents can pose such a risk to their child / children that they can not live with their children and in some instances, are not allowed to have any contact.

I’ve been involved in some such cases. Usually, there was recent domestic violence, emotional abuse, ongoing drug/alcohol issues or criminal convictions that posed a concern.

One particular client, I recently represented, had all of these things in abundance. However, the difference for him was that they were somewhat historic. He had turned his life around, had kept out of trouble, was working full time, was clean and more importantly he ‘owned his past.’ He put his hands up to everything he had previously done and said he was a fool and that he regretted everything. The social worker agreed that he had changed.

The debate as to whether parents deserve a second chance in life is very much subjective and largely dependent upon individual circumstances. The third parties involved ‘Social Services,’ CAFCAS and the courts have the difficult decision to decide whether it’s better for the children to see their parent(s), or, despite being reformed - do they pose too great a risk to their dependent children. It is a tough call for anyone to make since the consequences of making the wrong decision are too awful to contemplate.

If you are one such parent, we suggest that you carefully prepare prior to any application. Be prepared to own your past, but carefully document the steps you have taken to improve your life and how you can positively contribute to your child / children’s life / lives and how you intend to provide for them.

For help and support in achieving this, get in touch with us at RJS.