Minister of State for Vulnerable Children and Families thanks us for our email

After contacting the above Minister directly, here is what he had to say; Dear Mr Elwood-Stokes I am writing on behalf of the Minister of State for Vulnerable Children and Families to thank you for your email of 24 October regarding (content removed for legal reasons) While I understand how difficult this situation must be, I should start by saying that the neither the minister or the department can comment on or intervene in individual cases, not because of any lack of concern, but because responsibility rests with local authorities, where all the facts about the case are known, and with the courts. The government recognises that grandparents can play an important role in children’s lives, and that these relationships are very important to many children. The law does not entitle grandparents, or even parents, to have automatic involvement in a child’s life. Where there is a dispute and the court is asked to make an order it will make the child’s welfare the paramount consideration. Grandparents may apply through the courts for a child arrangements order which can specify that a child is to spend time with them. The requirement to seek the permission (or ‘leave’) of the court to apply for a child arrangements order acts as an important filter for applications that are not motivated by concern for the best interests of the child. The court will take into account all of the circumstances of each individual case and will make a child arrangements order if it decides that it is in the child’s best interests to do so. The government also recognises the importance of taking account of children’s relationships with other family members during dispute resolution processes. The importance of children’s relationships with wider family members will therefore be reflected in the content of parenting agreements, and in bespoke parenting programmes. Anyone dissatisfied with the outcome of a court case can take further legal advice and appeal the ruling, if advised. Anyone unsure of their position may wish to seek independent legal advice. Civil Legal Advice (CLA) is an advice line funded by legal aid. Anyone eligible can get specialist advice online and by phone. The CLA can help you find local legal aid advice. The website address is: https://www.gov.uk/civil-legal-advice or alternatively, the helpline number is: 0845 345 4 345. Anyone who does not qualify for publicly funded legal advice can seek legal advice from Citizens Advice and Law Centres. Advice Centres can give legal advice themselves and refer clients to a pro bono organisation for free representation. Contact details can be found by visiting: http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index.htm or by calling the helpline on 08444 111 444. Finally, with regards to your request to meet with the minister, I should advise you that he receives many invitations to meetings and discussions. As his time is heavily pressured and his diary needs to be prioritised according to ministerial, Parliamentary and constituency business, he is unable to meet with you. He does, however, thank you for your kind invitation to meet to discuss the rights of grandparents to have contact with their grandchildren. Once again, thank you for writing. Yours sincerely K W***** ___________________________ This is not the outcome we wanted and so our campaign will be sent to the media, TV stations etc.