Child & Family Agency contact

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I am looking for some advice regarding letter I received from Child and Family Agency stating "information has come to the attention of this department regarding your children and I need to meet you to discuss same". I have no clue how this system works and have never met a social worker or even imagined having one contact me.
> There is was a divide in my partners family since late 2010 following accusation of child sexual abuse against his father and brother (30 yrs) by his older sister & cousin. My partner his mother and younger sister do not believe the accounts of the accusers and as a result we have no contact with family members who support the accusers. Previously the family was close the older sister has 3 children who were minded by mother in home place and we all live close by each other. At the time of revelations me, my partner and his younger sister were warned to keep our children away from the accused and 2 people warned us social services would take our kids ( this was reported to gardai as it was upsetting). Since the accusations the case against the father was dropped by the DPP and the case against brother is due in court in Oct but on lessor charges than original accusation. The back ground to some incidents since this against us are anonymous poison pen letters to neighbours about alleged abuse, texts, nuisance phone calls and even a broken window in partners home place all reported to gardai. 2 separate reports to social welfare about my partners mother minding children at home for money (she worked part-time up to 2009 but gets disability due to arthritis and is a complete mess since all this kicked off) she minds out daughter (10yrs) after school no money involved, we have another child (4yrs) in crèche. I had to confirm this in writing in 2012 & 2013 following a complaint to social welfare. All of this I believe to be targeted by particular family members.
> Now on Friday I got a letter from a social worker seeking to meet. I got the letter on Friday 22nd to meet Monday 25th my partner's sister got the same letter. We all work so no way to arrange half day at such short notice and when I rang social worker on Friday firstly to find some further information & the to arrange a better day and time but she was on a day off. My partner's sister rang gardai about the letter and previous threats and gardai said that they were aware that this contact was due and this contact was normal procedure when a child sex abuse case is coming to court where the accused could have direct contact with children. My partner's sister met the social worker (my partner and I could not and we rearranged for Thursday). The social worker stated a report was made to her office and she needed to contact schools, crèche and doctor of children and will need to interview the children. My partner's sister was caught off guard and was not prepared for this. The full details of the report can be requested and the social worker said she will send on the form to request this.
Now I am due to meet her on Thursday and I am so annoyed as I do not want my children being brought into this process. What are my rights? I firmly believe this report was initiated by the same person(s) who carried out all the other incidents and this is harassment at a new low level. Sorry for the long story it could be way longer but I think the background is relevant. Any advice on this much appreciated.
Thank you

Pro Hoc Vice

Go to a solicitor.

QueenieB

Hi queen11699

Having dealt with social workers for the past four years, I have one piece of advice - same as Pro Hoc Vice - get a solicitor - or some kind of authoritative representative to accompany you. As this is a very emotional issue with lots of history, you are more likely to get agitated and muddled.
Remember, your cooperation is voluntary, otherwise, you'd have legal papers served to you. So commit to nothing until you fully understand what they are saying, what they expect, what are the implications for decisions made for you and your family, etc. All and anything you say will be noted and used at their discretion so know what you want to say or not say. You need a person with a cool head who can act as advocate.
Also, make no decisions on the day, commit to nothing until you are ready and ask for requests/reports etc. in writing. Get a much information about the interviewing social worker as you can - name, office, department he/she represents, who his/her upline manager is, etc. Keep simple records of all and any meetings with them. Do not allow them to put you under pressure or use emotional pleas that may make you feel responsible or pressured.

It sounds like preparation for war but that is not the intention. I say all this from experience. Know who you are dealing with and what their agenda is before you commit yourself to inviting social workers into your life. You might be lucky; I hope so.

Wishing you well.

hullaballoo

OP, unfortunately, due to the nature of the issues involved here, it may be dangerous for you to post anything further on this topic. As well as that, there is nothing further we can safely advise you beyond asking that you speak to a solicitor.

Due to the involvement of different State agencies, one of which includes the Gardaí, your only safe option is to seek professional guidance in the form of a solicitor.