What is section 20 kinship could somebody please tell me?

Question

social services are trying to make me sign section 20 form i need to know what this is could you please help me as im struggling to understand and need to get my daughter back home asap

Answer 1

Its very important that you get good advice about this. Can you get to the citizens advice bureau? Or see if you can find a legal aid solicitor in the area

Answer 2

foster care. if you want her dont sign.

Answer 3

section 20 from the 1989 children's act indicates that it is a voluntary accommodation. I.e. the parent with parental responsibility agrees to the placement. Kinship indicates a placement with a family member. Unless an adoption order is made the section 20 agreement remains voluntary and you COULD change your mind at any time and take the child back because you maintain your parental responsibility. It is only when a care order or adotpion order is made by the sourt that you sing over ro share parental responsibility with someone else. That doesn't occur under section 20.

But you need to think carefully to have a child accommodated under section 20 - because you can change your mind at any time it can be quite confusing and disruptive to the child - who is the most important person in these care arrangements.

Answer 4

section 20 kinship care is foster care but the child is place with another family member ie Grandmother. Don't sign anything you don't understand. Contact CAB or a solicitor the specialises in family law. In the UK you can get legal aid for this.

Answer 5

Section 20 Kinship placements is a settled and permanent alternative to birth family.  Operative word there being "permanent ".  I would consult with an adoption attorney for clarification but it sounds like you should refrain from signing that document if you are hoping to regain custody of your child.

Shame on the case worker for not explaining this to you.  They should be fair and honest in every respect.

Answer 6

Hello-

I must say that I agree wholeheartedly what was Tiki's last sentence: THE CHILD IS THE MOST IMPORTANT IN THIS MATTER.

Do you not have any family that you can confide and lean on?

(I truly hope so for your sake, and your baby-girl, AND yourself) This decision that is weighing so heavy on your shoulders must be horribly anguished.

I hope it works out wonderfully for you and your daughter, and you BOTH can look back at this hard time, and be able to laugh at it, and by doing so, will also remind BOTH of you just how much you love your daughter, and vice-verse.-Mom and Daughter's are best friends and confidants in such a high percentage-I wish that for you!

God bless you and your daughter