of the system of child maintenance.

Shadow Health and Social Services Minister Mr. Nelson Bascome believes the new social services system needs an independent body to look at cases of concern.

Mr. Bascome agrees with the mother, who asked not to be named, that there are cases where individuals could influence social services and the courts because of their standing in the community.

The woman, who has two children, has had problems keeping her children at home because the father has more money.

She claimed: "My children both told me that the social worker had told them they should live with their father.

"I feel it is very biased. I feel that if social services see a weakness in certain people they act on it.'' The mother continued by saying that many people had no idea who to turn to when they found themselves in problems, particularly in custody cases. She said: "They just get depressed and the more things go against them the more you feel that social services are just trying to destroy you. I feel as though I have no rights.'' Because of the uncertainty over the situation she said she had received few maintenance payments from the father.

She said that her experience is not unique, adding that many people were not keen to approach social services and the courts if things were not going in their favour.

She said: "I have heard of real horror stories from people who find themselves alone with no-one to turn to for help.

"In cases like this there should be an independent body which oversees these types of cases.'' Mr. Bascome agreed that an independent body was needed for people who believe they had problems with social services and the courts, in child maintenance matters.

He said: "What I think, is that there needs to be a review of the system that is in place. The family court part of it has only been in operation a short time, not a full year, so they have had enough time to see individuals who fall through the cracks which are appearing.

"We must make sure that they are held accountable like the individuals that do not have as much of a voice for themselves, or cannot afford a lawyer, or do not have the skills to put their case across.'' He also agreed with the mother that anyone involved in maintenance cases should always take someone along with them to interviews to verify anything that is said to them.

He said: "I am assisting her. It has been distressing for me working on this case with her.'' A social services spokesman could not be contacted.