So book in for mediation. She won't attend and you will get the certificate you need for court. Once you do that, get back to us. There are good folk here that will help you apply to court. You can self-represent, but all of that takes time...
If you have real fears for the kids, then option 2 is risky - as mentioned before she will get a hearing for an urgent recovery order, but given there is history of child welfare being involved, she might fail to get the recovery order... So while it is risky, finding a way to get the kids into your care and going from there is an option.
Can you call the ex and tell her you want to see the kids next holidays? You are not breaking any laws by picking up the kids. There are no child abduction laws for parents unless there is a court order stopping a parent from having contact with their kids and that doesn't apply in this case.
I'd also be going to have a chat to your doctor. Tell them your concerns and see what they can do. I have to tell you that child welfare is bloody useless. You'll wait a life time for them to act.
Now you've said the older child said that mum and stepdad were 'extremely abusive'. If you suspect the same applies to the younger kids, then I'd suggest either talking to a solicitor to make an urgent court application and/or doing what you can to get the kids in your care and forcing the mother to seek a recovery order...
I also reckon speaking to a solicitor is going to be the better option, unfortunately it will also be the most expensive.
If you have real fears for the kids, then option 2 is risky - as mentioned before she will get a hearing for an urgent recovery order, but given there is history of child welfare being involved, she might fail to get the recovery order... So while it is risky, finding a way to get the kids into your care and going from there is an option.
Can you call the ex and tell her you want to see the kids next holidays? You are not breaking any laws by picking up the kids. There are no child abduction laws for parents unless there is a court order stopping a parent from having contact with their kids and that doesn't apply in this case.
I'd also be going to have a chat to your doctor. Tell them your concerns and see what they can do. I have to tell you that child welfare is bloody useless. You'll wait a life time for them to act.
Now you've said the older child said that mum and stepdad were 'extremely abusive'. If you suspect the same applies to the younger kids, then I'd suggest either talking to a solicitor to make an urgent court application and/or doing what you can to get the kids in your care and forcing the mother to seek a recovery order...
I also reckon speaking to a solicitor is going to be the better option, unfortunately it will also be the most expensive.
