Tims story Tim is 14 years old and wishes to leave his Fathers residence, to live with his Nan and older sister. Tim asked his Nan for help, after explaining how unhappy he is. Not being able to afford legal help we went to social services who directed us to ask the court for a new residency order. This turned out to be incorrect and the application should have been for an emergency order. In court the judge said Tim should stay and to enrol him in school and register him with a doctor, a further hearing was set. At the next hearing, the judge sitting told us an emergency order was needed to enable Tim not to be removed from his Nan. The judge said he was giving permission for the application of new residency to go ahead but that Tim should go home to his fathers in the meantime. Tim has told social services that he is not happy living with his father and that he has been hurt physical and emotionally. Social services told us that Tim would have to go home first and when he is hurt again they would then be able to investigate. We are understandably horrified by this. There was a Caffcass worker in court, who by law is meant to have spoken to Tim to hear his feelings and wishes, but this did not happen and Tim has been left feeling hurt and frustrated that he has not been given his basic human right to be heard. Tim was forced to face his father to tell him he was not going with him, he was terrified and upset by being put in this position. His father told him if he did not come home he would have a penal order served on his mother and that she would be arrested, blatant intimidation and bullying. Tim went to the police and stated to them that he wants to stay here and that his mom is not asking him to stay or forcing him to remain with her or his Nan. He just wants his wish to live with the family who raised him and love him where he feels safe and comfortable to be honoured. We are trying to get a solicitor to represent Tim but have had no success to date we would like to appeal for someone to listen to Timothy as we feel he is being swept under the carpet. What kind of system do we have that would allow a young person to put in a situation like this to be miserable distressed and unhappy by not listening to him. Isn’t it time for change? Young people have opinions and needs that are most often squashed or lost in translation by their peers. The legal system being a prime example, Tim at 14 and finds himself in a situation where his basic right to be heard, even as the law stands now has been infringed. If he had been allowed to speak for himself and had the right to his own legal representation this may not have happened. Caffcass are meant to represent the young persons wishes and feelings in court but we have found that this system has failed miserably leaving Tim children torn and desperate for help. The other problem is legal funding unless a young person is deemed at risk of harm by a recognised body you are not entitled to legal aid. So we have a situation where young people/children are left in situations until they are hurt physically and emotionally until a recognised body can be bothered to listen or open their eyes to their circumstances. Tim is fighting for a change, not just for his sake but also for others out there that need someone to stand up for their right to be heard. We need to remind society that there are examples of Young person’s being listened to e.g. Mr William Hage made his first speech at the age of 17 ,The Youth Parliament, a total of 296 Members of Youth Parliament aged 11-18 took part in debates, the subjects for which were voted for by 478,632 young people across the UK. Ages11-18 being able to speak in parliament and Tim has not been allowed to speak for himself. He asks, why not?! Tim is applealing for anyone out there who can offer legal help to support his plea. He would like to highlight the injustices that children and young people are submitted to everyday. Isn’t it time we listen to the future generation and help them shape a brighter future for all. Tim is facing a court order that allows the police to take him back to his Father by force! Please repost and like this page to help get the word out. If you or you know anyone who is willing to help, please contact us via a private message.
Posted on: Sun, 19 Jan 2014 19:04:49 +0000