When my children were taken from their home by their father, I was left powerless. Despite the blatant lack of safeguarding concerns, he removed them without consent, refusing to return them. In caring for them, it's been evident that they have endured unimaginable harm—physical, psychological, emotional, and even sexual abuse. Our laws, as they stand, bind the hands of professionals who could have intervened quickly to protect them.

Professionals such as social workers, educators, and healthcare staff often witness signs of child abuse, but they cannot intervene until a court order is obtained. By then, crucial time has elapsed, time in which a vulnerable child continues to suffer. It’s imperative that we change this. We must allow these dedicated professionals the ability to act swiftly when they see children in imminent danger.

In 2020 alone, reports indicated that over 76,000 children were found to be at risk in the UK, a figure that may be underestimated due to the constraints on professionals stepping in without court orders. Imagine the difference it would make if social workers and other authorities could act upon their professional judgment without the unnecessary delay of obtaining court permissions.

These constraints contradict their very purpose—to help and protect victims before more damage is done. We need policy reform that empowers these professionals, enabling them to act on well-grounded suspicions and verified evidence to safeguard children effectively and immediately.

Where the parent has provided and succeeded in serving a non- molestation order and has shown cohesive and controlling behaviour as well as sexual assault against herself, professionals should be alot quicker to act. Where evidence has shown a timeliness of abuse parental responsibilities should be questioned and brought to action before the courts. The seriousness of parental alienation needs to be actioned and addressed promptly before courts with parental alienation that leads to child abuse should be a chargeable offence carrying a prison sentence. 

Let us work towards a legal framework that prioritizes children's safety above all else. Giving professionals the authority to intervene could be the difference between safety and irreversible trauma for thousands of children. Join us in calling for this change to ensure that no other family has to endure the prolonged pain and suffering that mine has.

Please sign this petition to urge lawmakers to revise and amend our current child protection laws. Empower our professionals to act promptly and keep our children safe.