Someone to watch my son during court.

I’m really sorry you’re going through this. Sounds really stressful. I’m sorry I can’t help due to living in Surrey, but just wanted to reach out and send you good luck and I hope you get the outcome that’s best for you all x

@Ki Thank you very much. :)

So sorry you are going through this. We are raising half Canadian as well and would love to hangout with your little one, but we are way too far from Southampton.

Sorry I can’t help but wanted to say I’m sorry you’re going through this, it sounds horrendous. I wouldn’t feel comfortable leaving my child with a stranger on the internet so it might be worth looking for a qualified childminder or nanny for the day, use a website like childcare.co.uk you can search in your area or maybe local to the court too. They will likely have the right environment or know local classes/activities to take your baby too and keep them entertained

Do you go to any playgroup? Are there any ladies who work there feel trustworthy enough to help you out? X

Do you have a Salvation Army near you ? Or a local community group might have some help available. I’m in Australia, sending you well wishes 🫶🏼

@Karolina where are you located?

@Georgia Nwabuko I’m not exactly comfortable with it either and have never left my son with anyone for that reason, that’s why I suggested meeting first, but I also can’t bring him to court.

@Jess No, there isn’t either of those. I did post on the form for where I am on Peanut, but so far, no reply’s.

I’d definitely look at childcare.co.uk It’s registered trained professionals, with first aid training, insurance and other things which are in place to keep baby safe. Also, it would look much better if you are asked by lawyers in court for a custody case that your child is with a registered childminder, rather than a stranger you found off the internet. It’s about looking as responsible as possible and safeguarding baby xx

@Sarah Mahan Bromley

I strongly advise against this. You don't know them and I get that your in a desperate situation, can you ask the court how to proceed, reach out to a local children's centre Or potentially children services. Will your partner's family attend can he not sit outside the courtroom with them but I see you mentioned cafcass ask them directly again.

@Anita I’ve already asked social services etc, they don’t provide childcare, nor know anyone who does.

@Sarah Mahan can he not sit with your ex partner's parents outside the courtroom

@Anita They are apart of court.

I’m so sorry you are going through this but I don’t think this is a good idea. I also think the court would use it against you that you have left your baby with a stranger. I would ask your ex’s family for help and if that’s not an option, turn up to court with your baby to show you literally have no support. They have side rooms where hopefully they will have a representative to sit with your baby.

Maybe we can support with the costs of a childminder?

@Shukri that would help so much!

@Sarah would you be willing to help pay a little bit to a childminder?

@Kayleigh would you be willing to help pay a little bit to a childminder?

@Anita would you be willing to help pay a little bit to a childminder?

@Karolina would you be willing to help pay a little bit to a childminder?

@Ki would you be willing to help pay a little bit to a childminder?

Yeah I don't think leaving your baby with someone is a good idea. Even if you meet them first you don't know who they are etc and your child won't know them either...this could also get used against you in court as it's really not okay to leave your child with someone you don't know! I'm a single mum so I know how hard it is and the struggle with money

@Shukri would you be willing to help pay a little bit to a childminder?

@Shukri @Sarah Mahan if you can supply details and @Shukri are you willing to facilitate this? Registered childminder & court times. I can assist but not enough alone to facilitate sufficient childcare.

@Anita what details are you wanting?

@Anita Yes I can. :)

Sorry, I was feeding my son. We’re currently weaning. @Anita @Sarah Mahan yes absolutely. @Sarah Mahan I’d suggest you look into a few childminders and find one you look and provide us with a cost breakdown. Does that work for you?

@Shukri it definitely does. Thank you guys so much!

Your child should be allowed in the court room

Why can’t you have him with you in court? Is it against the court to have him there? Or is it that you think he’d be too distracting?

@Jill because he’s a baby they won’t allow it, as this is a very important case.

Girl...I'm so sorry you're dealing with this ♡

i’m so sorry you have to deal with all of this but as a mom myself i have too caution you not to leave your baby with anyone you do not know please even if you have to take him with you too court that is actually a better option than leaving him with someone

I can help a bit with the cost of a childminder aswell

https://www.childcare.co.uk Find a local childminder with above Try Private nurseries some will offer 1 off childcare as I did this for a funeral. Have a look come back to us as 3 women are willing to offer support to you @Sarah Mahan

@Sarah Mahan I’m a single mother too and money is tight but of course if it means your baby is safe, I would try support you with childminding costs. To do so though, I would really appreciate having a bit more information such as the court letter telling you he can’t come with you. My issue is that I know infant in arms are allowed in the courts so you need to check why you are being told he is not? At 11 months, he can be held by his mother in court.

@Shukri I have messaged a bunch and so far they are all full, but I haven’t heard from a few and I will message some more.

Such a tight position. By default courts do not want or invite children into court bht I have been in court cases where childcare cannot be secured and (out of no other alternative) mothers have had to bring their babies into the court room. Fortunately they have not been distracting and the whole hearing has progresseed with no significant disruptions except maybe an occassional feed. If baby became unsettled you would have to stand to soothe and if all else fails may have to go out but can return. Kind of the same position that with a childminder they would not have met and gotten to know the baby/each other before the hearing but more reliable. Keep in mind that whatever time the hearing is listed for, it may end up being longer...

@Kayleigh this is an easy resolve @Sarah Mahan is it Southampton family courts which your case will be heard?? A quick call in the morning can clarify if children are allowed into the courtroom sometimes a representative has a little more pull.

I'd recommend reaching out to your local family hub - they'll be able to offer advice and may have a family support worker who can come and support you. Good luck!! https://www.southampton.gov.uk/children-families/activities-and-support-for-families/family-hubs/family-hub-locations/

Can you call the court & ask if they allow children to attend as you have no alternative arrangements? They may accommodate for a small child, but you should definitely ask or defer the hearing till appropriate childcare is arranged. Please under NO circumstances leave your child with a stranger!

If you ask the courts you can ask for an on duty solicitor so you don’t have to pay for it

@Shukri I have found someone who will watch my son for £6 an hour. :)

@Anita I have found someone who will watch my son for £6 an hour. :)

@Latisha I have found someone who will watch my son for £6 an hour. :)

Sorry to hear what you’re going through but I do agree a stranger over the internet certainly isn’t safe nor would it be good if you are questioned on the whereabouts of your child. You may have a local charity in your borough who can assist you. Alternateivly contact citizens advice they can help guide you xx https://adviceinsouthampton.org.uk/get-advice/family-personal/

Most courthouses have a child watch now. Did you look into it?

@Becky my child wasn’t allowed in court