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My rights around social workers

Am I allowed to record my conversation with social workers? I'm 16 and going through some rough family issues at the moment my parents are fighting over custody and some how social workers got involved I'm aware that they are going to interview me. Am I allowed to record my conversation with them as I have been interviewed with social workers before and they twist things around, my words especially! and it pisses me off i don't trust them so I'd like to record and analyse after in case they ask me something in the near future. I'm so confused with everything at the moment I'd just like to know my right around them like am I allowed to skip a question or do I need a lawyer present?
Original post by Stressed0_0
Am I allowed to record my conversation with social workers? I'm 16 and going through some rough family issues at the moment my parents are fighting over custody and some how social workers got involved I'm aware that they are going to interview me. Am I allowed to record my conversation with them as I have been interviewed with social workers before and they twist things around, my words especially! and it pisses me off i don't trust them so I'd like to record and analyse after in case they ask me something in the near future. I'm so confused with everything at the moment I'd just like to know my right around them like am I allowed to skip a question or do I need a lawyer present?


Interesting question a quick scout around and it seems there is some guidance for parents. It has supposedly been prepared by lawyers.

There appear to be no restrictions for parents, so I do not see why you as a child wouldnt be allowed to make a recording to ensure accuracy.

Read the guidance and it suggests contacting them in advance and they arent allowed t object or at least you need t know their reason for refusing and you can work out if its rubbish.

http://www.transparencyproject.org.uk/press/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Parentsrecordingsocialworkersguidancenote.pdf

These people specialise in child law.
https://childlawadvice.org.uk/

http://www.lawcentres.org.uk/i-am-looking-for-advice
You can also contact CAB or your local law centre.

You cna also speak to childline 08001111
Original post by Stressed0_0
Am I allowed to record my conversation with social workers? I'm 16 and going through some rough family issues at the moment my parents are fighting over custody and some how social workers got involved I'm aware that they are going to interview me. Am I allowed to record my conversation with them as I have been interviewed with social workers before and they twist things around, my words especially! and it pisses me off i don't trust them so I'd like to record and analyse after in case they ask me something in the near future. I'm so confused with everything at the moment I'd just like to know my right around them like am I allowed to skip a question or do I need a lawyer present?


When you say interview, what do you mean exactly? How old are you, may I ask? I've been involved with social services before and didn't really like speaking to them, but at my child protection meeting I had an advocate with me who was an independant person there only to help me get my points across and to help me be heard fairly and properly. If it's just an informal chat, I don't think a lawyer is necessary. If you're worried, look into the possibility of an advocate or other more independant chaperone to be there with you. You may be able to record your chat with them, but you'll need to ask in advance
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Original post by chelseadagg3r
When you say interview, what do you mean exactly? How old are you, may I ask? I've been involved with social services before and didn't really like speaking to them, but at my child protection meeting I had an advocate with me who was an independant person there only to help me get my points across and to help me be heard fairly and properly. If it's just an informal chat, I don't think a lawyer is necessary. If you're worried, look into the possibility of an advocate or other more independant chaperone to be there with you. You may be able to record your chat with them, but you'll need to ask in advance



I'm 16 years old and it's like a private chat than an interview i guess they take me to a room or if they come to my house they seperate me from my parents and sibling they typically they start with small talk but then ask questions honestly when I try to talk they talk over me and answer my own question if that makes sense? They talk over me basically and this is how they end up twisting my words.
Original post by Stressed0_0
I'm 16 years old and it's like a private chat than an interview i guess they take me to a room or if they come to my house they seperate me from my parents and sibling they typically they start with small talk but then ask questions honestly when I try to talk they talk over me and answer my own question if that makes sense? They talk over me basically and this is how they end up twisting my words.


Ah yeah, I totally get what you mean. I've had the same thing in the past. Definitely look into an advocacy service and see if you might be able to have someone with you for that, but if not just be very clear when you talk to them. Try to stay calm and rational, and if they talk over talk a deep breath, wait for them to finish, and say 'I feel like we're getting wires crossed so I'd really appreciate it if you didn't talk over me'. If they continue, then speak to your parents if you can, or social services themselves, about how you're unhappy with your current social worker and would like someone different

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