quoll

Good luck with the solicitor, Cresta! The lack of communication between social services in the states has long been a huge issue - many families just up sticks and move when things begin to get a bit warm for them and the new state gets no information or recognition of risk. I can't imagine how awful this must be for you and for the kids!

Dorothy

The solicitor is a good start.

Geordie George

No advice, but thoughts are with you. What a crappy situation.

cresta57

They haven't broken the law in NSW other than the drug taking/dealing that police suspect is ongoing in the majority of homes in the street [very rough area] There's nothing we can do re the break in at ours unless they return to QLD.
I spoke to a senior constable in NSW and although they are "on the radar" there's little that can be done. Tomorrow will be crunch time as police, housing commission officials and contractors are booked to change the locks on the property they have defaulted on. We've been told their furniture is still inside so I'm guessing there will be a confrontation. They show up high and can be arrested.

teza

So sorry about your situation, can't offer help I'm afraid but hoping for a speedy a good result for your grandkids!

BEVS

scrubbedexpat094

What an absolutely terrible situation for you and the kids to be in Cresta. I can't provide any help either but hoping that everything works out in the best interests of your grandchildren. Hope your solicitor can provide you with a positive solution.

It seems an appalling situation were children can fall through the net like this and all the agencies don't seem able to work together to foster a solution. Especially given that you are able to provide them with a safety-net. It's nothing short of criminal.

Also keeping that the parents are arrested.

cresta57

Well no news this morning re the eviction. I did have a phone call from their previous school principle who, unfortunately, could not give me specific details about absenteeism. She did in a round about way confirm that there was a history of unexplained absence and that the school had escalated the matter to the education board and had advised that home schooling may be an option. I couldn't help quip that making a bong was hardly an appropriate science project.
Solicitor appointment tomorrow

Gordon Barlow

Cresta. Sometimes it's useful to mobilise the press. I've done that myself on occasion, here, and it has indeed been useful. (In such a small town as Tenterfield, the local newspaper might not be sympathetic to your cause, but you never know.) Good luck.

Kim67

Unfortunately Gordon, Cresta and his family are not in a unique situation. This type of story is rife wherever you go and the government departments that are supposed to support and help people like Cresta just tell you they have their hands tied etc etc and you spend so much time frustratedly going from one agency to the next to try and get some joy. It's physically and emotionally draining to say the least.

Jerseygirl

Yes that's what I would do.

BEVS

Love the black humour Cresta.

Well. tomorrow Mr lovely caring Grandad.


Wait a minute !

Home schooling Where?

cresta57

I said that as well lol
Solicitors was a waste of both of our times. How can it "possibly" cost upwards of 10k and "possibly as much as 14k" to apply to the family court for a custody order?
I think he looked at us and thought "These are good for a few thousand k"
I'll be looking at alternative options that were mentioned above.

scrubbedexpat094

I love your humour too, sometimes it's the only thing that gets you through. If the parents can't manage to get them to a school, they aren't going to have the inclination to teach them at home!!!!

Well I was really hoping that the solicitor could help you, so I'm extremely disappointed and annoyed for you. Looks like the media may be your best bet at this stage.

I'm appalled that this is allowed to happen in 2016. It appears that the various authorities are complicit in the abuse of these children by their omission to act.

BEVS

*achor.

Can you apply direct to the family court?

Getting the backing of the school, police , social services.