The Scottish Government is refusing point blank to allow legal contact between grandparents and their grandchildren. A leading children’s charity has even asked them to allow grandparents information about their grandchildren’s welfare. This has been ignored.By granting total power to one parent it encourages many parents to use their children as weapons in blackmail and revenge against the other parent/grandparents. This is a despicable trend which is on the increase. Children growing up in this environment are educated that these methods are the normal way to live. Our Government knows this is happening and allow it to go on
About the MP who was mugged recently. The muggers were said to be the scum of the earth. Could they be some of these children brought up learning lying, cheating, using people and having no respect for anyone. Are the children of today who are growing up without the stability of their family the muggers of the future?
82% of illnesses suffered by grandparents ie depression, loneliness etc are caused by separation from the family. This problem especially for older grandparents could be helped enormously if the government encouraged and supported family relationships.
We are not asking for a takeover as some ministers have inferred, but to be able to know and protect our grandchildren, to be there if they need help. All that is required is a couple of hours a month if geography permits or by mutual agreement. To keep contact by phone, text, letter and be able to send presents at Christmas and Birthdays which children look forward to. By the governments refusal to acknowledge this problem they are not allowing a very much needed helpline to our grandchildren. This family helpline would give the children extra protection because of the terrible drug and alcohol abuse which the government say is on the increase.
Nothing less than a radical shake up of family laws and the administration of these laws will be good enough.
Jimmy Deuchars - released on 28 May 2008
