PLO/CP/ONE BRUISE

[Queen bee]

Hi I just need some advice please! Me and my partner were on a course yesterday and our little boy was in the crèche. When we got home we got a call stating the girls in crèche noticed a small bruise on my sons arm, we had no idea how it’s happened! The only thing I can think of is either it’s got caught on his car seat strap or someone has accidentally pinched him while picking him up. He’s had his 8-12 month check last week and it wasn’t there as the health visitor thoroughly checked him over. He has been starting to walk unaided 8 days ago so keeps falling etc. I’m worried this is going to go against us, we’ve done everything possible to make sure things go smoothly and nearly a year later we are nearly at the end of our journey! Does anyone know if the social will raise concerns or will it just be noted down and kept an eye on? I’m so scared this is gonna be a huge setback for us! Please help!

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear Queen bee,

Thank you for your post.

You say in your post that whilst you and your partner were on a course yesterday, your child was in a creche, and that you were later informed that a bruise had been noticed on his arm. This was not present at his 8-12 month check with the health visitor last week, and you are unsure how this may have happened. You are worried about what impact this may have and want to know how children's services may act.

I can see from your previous posts that you are currently in PLO and living in a mother and baby unit with your son. It is difficult to say how children's services may respond to the bruise - have there been any previous concerns raised about bruises on your child? The social worker may ask you about the bruise; you will only be able to offer the information you have, which is that you are unsure how it happened. You mention that your son has started to walk unaided and of course the bruise may be as a result of this. The social worker may want to speak to staff at the mother and baby unit as well.

If the social worker is concerned about how the bruise was caused, they may ask for your consent for your child to undergo a child protection medical. This means a doctor will examine your child and may make comments on how the bruise may have happened.

Firstly, it is important to speak to the social worker, who will be able to talk you through how concerned they are about this.

Best wishes,

Suzie

[Queen bee]

Hi thank you for your reply, we have had a CP review on Tuesday and it didn’t get mentioned. They said they have no concerns at all in regards to us looking after our son. He’s still on CP but is now under emotional harm and not neglect, our IRO said this is a positive step forward. I spoke to staff about the bruise and they said they weren’t concerned as they know he’s well looked after. Thank you for your help.