Annual Debate-Is mediation fit for purpose?

http://www.familylaw.co.uk/articles/Family-Justice-Council-7th-Annual-Debate-260913-344?CC=A204&utm_source=A204&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newswatch+270913&utm_term=Family+Law+Newswatch%3a+Is+Mediation+Fit+For+Purpose%3f+Family+Justice+Council+7th+Annual+Debate&utm_content=47249&gator_td=6s0kX8wc8nhbhCN3jp2huzAfi7kjS%2bSkkX6vpmux2wex5Z9SWOn1bTj%2fmHxcACddlyF2CszdOHzGI%2fkQsig51TR1U4y5yYIQbDs%2fLcNJ50f5dTM%2bblAJDJdktTHnSVqAz0VQfDmufcXKI4UyHhj7AnzaMSnaLTYefdKJvmi8b7E%3d

Jane

Grandparents are suicidal.

"You must be able to see your grandchild?"
This is the sort of comment you get when you tell people that you are denied contact with your grandchildren.
Those of us who are in this situation know that it is not the case.
As a grandparent you have no automatic right to see your grandchildren, although you can apply to the court for 'leave' to then apply for a contact order, it is no guarantee.
It is a lengthy, stressful and very expensive journey.
If as a society we can't even get Shared Parenting right , as long as we still have Dads/Mums being denied contact with their own children, there is not going to be any changes for grandparents.
The impact of grandparents and grandchildren not having a loving and meaningful relationship is enormous and has in some cases devastating consequences.
Grandchildren are left believing and being told that their grandparents don't love them anymore or are told that their grandparents have died.
Grandparents are left with a living bereavement, lonely and bewildered.
I have grandparents contacting me who are suicidal.
Yes, grandparents are or have attempted to end their lives as they can't continue their lives without their grandchildren.
Take time to consider.

Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Parents and Grandparents on equal footing?

State Supreme Court Ruling Puts Parents, Grandparents On Equal Footing When Modifying Grandparent Visitation

http://www.chattanoogan.com/2013/9/6/258598/State-Supreme-Court-Ruling-Puts.aspx

Jane

www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Meeting.

Please don't forget that the date for our next meeting has changed, it is now on Friday October 11th at 2pm.
Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

A fair article from a woman.

Good to see an article that states the truth.
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/lifestyle/lifestyle-opinion/divorce-can-doubly-hard-fathers-5920797

Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Design a T. Shirt with photo of your grandchildren.

I was asked at our last meeting about having T Shirts printed with photos of our grandchildren on I have found this website, I have done one and it is really easy to use and not too expensive.
http://www.tshirtstudio.com/womens
Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

It is about time the press did it properly, but I wont hold my breath.

It is time for the media, papers , TV and Radio, not to just do articles like this, but to ask the so important question WHY? Why is it necessary for Dads to take direct action like this?
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/10315363/Fathers4Justice-campaigner-denies-defacing-Queens-portrait.html
The answer is that Dads all over the world, not just in the UK are being denied contact with their children by Parental Alienators, ex's who at one time were their partners, who at one time loved each other and had children together. In the turmoil of separation/divorce  someone takes it upon themselves to include their children in their adult conflict, to use their children as weapons.
Children who have their childhood taken from them, as they have to please everyone, no child wants to see a parent sad and upset , who should they be with?
It is not a question that any child should have to answer, they love both their parents and want to have a loving and meaningful relationship with them both.
No one in the media ever tells the proper story, it is not about 'deadbeat Dads,' don't judge if you haven't experienced it.

Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

The kids aren't alright.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/you/article-2417816/Divorce-kids-arent-alright-adults-divorced-families-speak-effects-parents-split.html
Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Steve Webb says we have turned a corner, disgraceful.

So Steve Webb says this country has turned a corner over child maintenance payments, what he doesn't say however is how many non resident parents are paying maintenance but still denied contact.

Turned a corner, I don't think so.

Minister says that child support arrangements have ‘turned a corner’

Steve Webb acclaims acceptance by separated parents of financial responsibility for their children

The minister responsible for child maintenance has hailed the progress made in separated parents accepting financial responsibility for their children. At the Children and Young People's Conference in London he said that Britain has in recent years "turned an important corner".

Steve Webb celebrated the fact that more than four in five separated parents are now paying towards their children through the Child Support Agency (CSA). That represents an increase from around two in three parents paying towards their children five years ago. He said that the reforms to the child maintenance system are essential to get more parents working together.

Work and Pensions Minister Steve Webb said:

"That more separated parents than ever are now paying towards the upbringing of their children within the CSA shows that with a little help and support, thousands of parents could be coming to their own flexible arrangements for their children. Ultimately, this is better for parents and children alike."

At the end of this year the Child Support Agency will stop accepting new applications and cases will gradually close over the next 3 years. In the meantime, up to £20 million is being invested into new family support services, with projects across the country being funded to help separated parents communicate better, work together and support their children.

Steve Webb continued:

"Britain has turned an important corner in recent years in becoming a country where taking financial responsibility for your children after a break up is the normal thing to do. Those parents who think otherwise are a small and dwindling minority. What we're trying to do is to channel that commitment to empower parents to take control of their own lives and come to their own family-based arrangements to support their children."

Jane

www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Sir James Munby, President of the Family Division latest

Process of reform update in the Family Courts
http://flba.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/view6.pdf

Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Reading Grandparents?

Ok, are there any grandparents in the Reading area who would be interested in meeting up with other grandparents who have lost contact with their grandchildren?
If so can you get in contact please.
I am often asked about groups in areas all over the UK, and it would be great if any of you fancy meeting up, I of course am willing to give you any support or posters, leaflets etc that you can use to publicise your meetings.
You don't have to be skilled in anything except being non-judgemental all you need is a good listening ear, an ability to make a cup of tea and possibly making a cake, (of course you can always but one!)
There are thousands of grandparents all over the UK who want to talk to others who understand so what are you waiting for!
Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Bristol vegetarian Mum denies contact in case Dad gives his son meat.

I read this sort of thing and despair, although it is encouraging to read this :

-Lord Justice Underhill acknowledged the bitterness between the parents and said that it was not the court’s purpose to 'punish' the mother, but to ensure that the five-year-old has a positive relationship with his father as he grows up.-

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2417774/Vegetarian-mother-refused-let-son-father-year-case-fed-meat.html

Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Sir James Munby slams secret courts.

Senior Judge makes a passionate  plea for transparency in Family Courts.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-2413235/DAILY-MAIL-COMMENT-Secret-courts-publics-right-know.html

Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Edward Timpson MP response to Shared Parenting.

Father and child let down by The Family Justice System.

There is an article in The Times today about this hearing where the judge states that the father and M have been let down by The Family Justice System this is the judgement.
http://www.judiciary.gov.uk/Resources/JCO/Documents/Judgments/a-a-child-approved-060913.pdf

Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Gran, you won't leave me, will you?

My granddaughter and her maternal grandparents were always very close, sadly her grandma died prematurely, although she suffered from very bad health it was not really expected.
Some time later, without warning my granddaughter whilst we were walking back from doing the shopping, looked up at me and said, " My grandma left me, you won't leave me Gran will you?"
Of course I said, "No, darling of course I am not going anywhere."
But, I did.
Those few words haunt me daily, I pray one day I will be able to try and put things right.

Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Words for our children and grandchildren.

I wrote this, this week for my beautiful grandchildren. It occurred to me that maybe some of you might like to add your own thoughts or feelings for your own children or grandchildren, it would be great to join it altogether. Let your creative juices flow, so Dads, Mums, Grandparents,Aunts,Uncles and Cousins its over to you, the importance of children is what it is all about. 

For my grandchildren : How much do I love you?

How long will I love you?
As long as tide keeps turning,
As long as the stars are shining,
As long as the sun rises in the morning and sets in the evening,
Until the birds stop singing and awaking the dawn.
My love for my grandchildren is unending,
I love you as deep as the ocean,
As long as my heart is beating,
As long as the wind is blowing, and the seasons changing.
Until the earth stops turning,
As long as sunflowers turn to face the sun,
As long as children can dance,
I will love those of you who are near and one who is distant.
Always I will be here for you,
I will love you until my final breath.

Jane
Copyright Sept 2013.

North Carolina Alienated Grandparents Anonymous

Alienated  Grandparents  Anonymous North Carolina
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Family-Access-North-Carolina/535655846482036

Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

34,061 visitors to the blog!

Well we have passed the 34,000 visitors now.
Once again thanks for all your support and interest I hope we have managed to support you.
Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

For my grandchildren:How much do I love you?

How long will I love you?
As long as tide keeps turning,
As long as the stars are shining,
As long as the sun rises in the morning and sets in the evening,
Until the birds stop singing and awaking the dawn.
My love for my grandchildren is unending,
I love you as deep as the ocean,
As long as my heart is beating,
As long as the wind is blowing, and the seasons changing.
Until the earth stops turning,
As long as sunflowers turn to face the sun,
As long as children can dance,
I will love those of you who are near and one who is distant.
Always I will be here for you,
I will love you until my final breath.


Jane
copyright Sept 2013
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk