Advice & Representation
If you have been falsely accused of child abuse you will find yourself in need of advice, practical and emotional support. You are also likely to find the experience of being falsey accused of child abuse disabling. Tasks that previously would have been taken in one's stride become difficult if not, at times, impossible. Let those who want to help and support you do so.
It is important you take the allegations that have been made against you seriously. They could result in loss of contact with your family, loss of career, and in serious cases a loss of your liberty. Be reassured however that in most instances allegations of child abuse do not result in Court action.
If your allegation has or (or is likely to be) reported to the police make sure you consult a criminal defence lawyer experienced in abuse cases. If you have been accused of historical abuse, that is abuse which is said to have occured some time previously, make sure you contact a solicitor who has experience of these cases. If you cannot find one contact F.A.C.T. and we may be able to point you in the right direction.
If the allegation is not (or no longer) a police matter, and is being handled by your employers (with or without the involvement of a social services department) make sure you contact an experienced employment lawyer. If necessary ask your trade union to recommend one.
Whatever the circumstances always take legal advice.
F.A.C.T does not provide legal advice or legal representation.
What F.A.C.T is able to do is provide information, support and reassurance. We do this through our advice centre on this web site, our helpine, or though our programme of Court support or Prisoners support.
Subject to our Advice and Representaion Policy (see below) F.A.C.T. may also be able to make representations on members behalf in cases which involve them in child protection meetings, investigative and/or dicisciplinary meetings, or in cases concerning 'listing' bodies. We do not guarrantee that we are able to do so in every case; much depends on the complexity of the case and workload.
FACT's Advice and Representation Policy - Key Principles
By publishing our advice and representation policy here, we hope that you will be able to understand clearly how, and what circumstances, we may be able to help.
- F.A.C.T. is essentially a campaign and support group for falsely accused carers and teachers.
- F.A.C.T. does not provide legal advice. We do aim to provide information and advice which might be useful in preparing a response to any false allegations which have been made against our members.
- F.A.C.T. recognises that those who face false allegations of abuse may also need help in understanding the investigative process, and in challenging the decisions of investigative bodies, child protection agencies and employers.
- F.A.C.T. will do its best to ensure that its members do not suffer through lack of knowledge concerning their individual rights and responsibilities when dealing with accusations made against them. We do this through the publication of its leaflets, by giving general advice in FACTion and on this web site.
- Where we cannot help an individual member we will try to act as 'signpost' and will direct you towards expert advice.
- Depending on the circumstances, F.A.C.T. may be able to make representations on behalf of a member facing child protection inquiries, a disciplinary or employment hearing, or listing as an unsuitable person to work with children, or otherwise support applications in respect of parole decisions, referrals for pro bono legal support etc.
- Where appropriate we will also work in partnership with other agencies including Trades Unions, Citizens Advice Bureau's, legal centres and justice groups on individual cases.
- Whatever the circumstances F.A.C.T. will seek to exercise a responsible influence on the development of relevant social policies, reform of the criminal justice system and the need for better investigative practice in abuse cases at both a local and national level.
- Please be aware that all false allegations involving accusations of abuse must be taken seriously, and that they can result in loss of liberty, curtailment of family contact, loss of career and employment opportunity, lasting damaging to one's own personal reputation, and social isolation.
- Remember: there is no substitute for obtaining legal advice from a properly qualified and experienced lawyer.