Please can your readers help us to make the government aware of the plight of the forgotten children of drug and alcohol abusers, who are caught in a protection trap where no-one can help them? We are campaigning for the right of non-resident parents and grandparents to protect them - and a petition is presently being considered by the Scottish Government.

These forgotten children are often abused - and nothing is done about it until the unthinkable happens. With a staggering 37% rise in drug and alcohol fatalities (one nearly every day) who is looking out for these children? No-one but grandparents - yet no one is permitted to contact them if the resident parent is against it.

Children’s agencies say they can only cope with half the calls they receive and can only act when the abuse has been recognized, which usually means when a child has been badly abused or even worse. But grandparents could fill that gap in child protection - especially in drug and alcohol danger homes.

Currently a parental child abuser can get a court order - with or without good reason - banning a non-resident parent or grandparent from having contact - but why? The above question was put to the previous Scottish Executive by Grandparents Apart Self Help Group Scotland their answer was: “We have nothing further to add to our previous correspondence with you.” It is obvious they had no answers to this problem, and have previously stated they also have no answer to non-compliance of flouted court orders.

In our view there is an army of grandparents out there, and the majority of them would be delighted to help in early intervention should problems arise in their offspring’s home. For example, taking care of children and providing them with a known home environment rather than being taken to strangers, especially if their mum or dad is in trouble. The worst thing that can happen to a child at any age is to be parted from the family, as the adverse effects of this can be stay with them all their lives.

There have already been thousands of you calling our helpline for information or advice, and  we now need you to help us to right the wrongs by demonstrating with us and telling us your experiences. We know the evidence is there but we need you to give it to us to prove the faults. Please write to us in strictest confidence. Your letter will not be used for any other purpose and will be destroyed when the sessions are over.

If we work together on a common goal to concentrate on ending the misuse of family law and restoring "the best interests of the children" - not for adults manipulation - I'm sure we can succeed. 

With your help we will present a good case. 

Brian McNair 

Jimmy Deuchars 

Richard Fromholc .

Please e-mail Scottish ministers pledging your support scottish.ministers@scotland.gsi.gov.uk