Advice Needed. Previous Social services involvement

[A2022]

Hi
I desperately need advice.
I've recently found out that I'm pregnant again and I'm worried that Social Services will want to be involved again.

My first child (7) was referred to SS in 2020. We were under a care order but he was never removed from my care. We were moved to a mother and baby unit for 6 months due to SS concerns that I was living with my mum and that there was possible abuse from her. We were then moved into our own flat but SS stayed involved until 2022.

The care order ended in November 2022 but due to my child having complex disabilities he was still under a special branch of SS just for Disabled Children (for help, advice, etc.)

This all took place in Wales where I previously lived.

We now live in England and I've recently found out that I'm pregnant again with a different father. I live 2 and a half hours from all my family and the father of my first child.

I'm worried that Social services will want to be involved with this baby too despite the fact all concerns that they had with my first are no longer existent.

I'm afraid of keeping this baby if it means risking losing both children. I'm 22 and was classed as a "young vulnerable mother). I'm afraid they'll use the lack of family support against me.

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Hi
I desperately need advice.
I've recently found out that I'm pregnant again and I'm worried that Social Services will want to be involved again.

My first child (7) was referred to SS in 2020. We were under a care order but he was never removed from my care. We were moved to a mother and baby unit for 6 months due to SS concerns that I was living with my mum and that there was possible abuse from her. We were then moved into our own flat but SS stayed involved until 2022.

The care order ended in November 2022 but due to my child having complex disabilities he was still under a special branch of SS just for Disabled Children (for help, advice, etc.)

This all took place in Wales where I previously lived.

We now live in England and I've recently found out that I'm pregnant again with a different father. I live 2 and a half hours from all my family and the father of my first child.

I'm worried that Social services will want to be involved with this baby too despite the fact all concerns that they had with my first are no longer existent.

I'm afraid of keeping this baby if it means risking losing both children. I'm 22 and was classed as a "young vulnerable mother). I'm afraid they'll use the lack of family support against me.

Dear A2022

Thank you for posting an update about your current circumstances.

From your post I see that you were involved in care proceedings in Wales it seems your eldest child was never removed from your care but there was a care order which ended in 2022. He lives with you and he is under a special branch of social services because of his disabilities.

In any event, you are now living in England and now pregnant and concerned that children’s services (new name for social services) here may become involved and you are worried about losing both children. You mention that your circumstances have changed and you are with a different person now.

I am only able to advise you about the possibility of children’s services involvement. As you have had previous social services involvement in Wales. Children’s services are likely to become involved and will seek information from Wales about they con-cerns they had regarding your eldest. Having said that, children’s services in England will assess you based on how you are now. If they have no concerns that they may not remain involved.

As you are with a new partner, it is a new relationship, and they will want to know more about him and his background to ensure that he does not pose a risk to you or your unborn child.

You may find it helpful to read more about having another child where previous child involved with children’s services. This is HERE

Although you live a couple of hours from your parents, if they can support you with your baby, that may not be a problem. The support could be you being able to spend time with them with baby or they come to you. How they would be able to help could be considered in a family group conference. If you have support from your new partner and his family that would be important too. Friends can also be part of your support network.

You mention in your post that you were considered a ‘young vulnerable mother’ with your first child. How this has changed would be something children’s services is likely to be interested to find out. You are older if this was a concern, you have not given information about what else may have led to you being vulnerable. You may find it helpful to read this GUIDE about working with a social worker.

Children’s services may carry out a pre-birth assessment at approximately 20 weeks but authorities vary on the timing of their assessment. Your son is 7 and are now 22 so a very young mother when you had your son. You may find the information on our website for young parents and parents to be helpful

It is entirely your decision what happens with your pregnancy. I am not able to advice you regarding this but you may wish to speak to someone who can support and advise you. This organisation may be able to assist you

You may find it helpful to speak with one of our experienced adviser and you can telephone our advice line on 0808 801 0366. The advice line is open from 9.30am to 3.00pm Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays)

Best wishes

Suzie