My Story ~ One Woman's Voice

In February 2006, I was presented a writ by Sheriff Officers, from my child’s father’s solicitor (my child’s father had a history of violence and harassment against me and had only had minor contact with his 14 month old daughter).

Little did I know at this stage, that I had not only become the defender against the pursuer, but also would have to protect my child/family from the serious flaws and loopholes that have been allowed to operate within the child welfare legal system. I became a defender against the pursuer and a defender against the abusive corrupt child welfare legal system of Scotland

My first court date was in March 2006, where my acting solicitor informed me it was only a procedural hearing, and I did not have to attend. As an outcome of this hearing, it was decided in court that an independent non-biased reporter had been assigned to undertake the reporting from a floating sheriff, of my child’s welfare and living circumstances.

My acting solicitor failed to inform me the outcome of this hearing. He would not return my calls, or reply to any letters. At the end of March, a letter arrived from the independent non-biased reporter who happened to be a solicitor. (Trained to address points of law, not trained or qualified or vetted to gather information about children/families welfare.) I will expand further on this area, later in this page.

I had no knowledge of what this person was to collect information about. I telephoned the courts Civil Office Department, who assured me that this person was ordered by the court to come into my home, and was experienced in this field. I then telephoned the solicitor (Miss X.) and the conversation took place where I asked who she was and what her role was. She informed me that she had been ordered into my home by the court, to gather information on my child’s welfare and living conditions. She informed me she was an independent non-biased reporter.

I asked what would happen if I did not comply with this report, and was informed by her that I would be held in contempt of court. I also stated that I really did not want to relive the past abusive 2 years. I was told I was just going to have to (a gut feeling wrenched in my stomach). Call it mothers instinct, but something was just not lying easy with this arrangement. I had asked this woman, was this not a job for social workers or health visitors. She informed me, "no".

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