Transitioning back home-meant to be family led

[mamaof5]

The LA have released their final statement and care plans.
They are recommending all 5 children return home under a gradual transition.
(3 oldest in May half term, 2 youngest in July half term)
I haven’t agreed to this. I want all 5 at the same time but understand why they want to do 3 & 2 so I considered their reasons and said I will agree to the younger 3 first followed by the oldest 2 and given my reasons for this way.

My solicitor said my reasons are good enough and ‘make sense’ that it should be this way.

The LA aren’t having any of it, they ask for my views but then don’t listen.

They have pushed ahead with their transition. The transition team came and said the entire transition is FAMILY LED. But again I give my views and I’m not listened to.

It was agreed at the CIC review by everyone that the children will not be told until EVERYONE agrees on a plan.
The SW then come round Thursday and said we are telling the kids but we won’t give details (dates, who is returning when etc) which I said is fine.
We did it at the kids schools (3 separate schools) and he told all of them every last detail. He even told my 7 year old they want all kids home, she got really excited. He then told her she won’t return home until last. I had to sit and watch her crush!

I am furious to say the least as this wasn’t what we agreed to tell them. I am still fighting for the younger 3 first as the older 2 will understand better and are being really looked after at their placement so I know in my heart they are safe. The youngest 2 have not seen a dentist since removal last April & always come to contact with sweets and fizzy drinks

My solicitor said she thinks we have a good chance of getting the younger 3 returned first but now I feel the LA have used emotional blackmail by telling the kids ‘his’ plan!

What do I do now?

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear Mamaof5

Welcome back to the parents’ discussion board and thank you for your further post. It is really good to hear that the children will be returning home to your care. However, I can see how frustrating it is that the transition plan is not what you had hoped for and that you have concerns about how the plan has been shared with the children.

From what you say, your solicitor agrees that your preferred transition plan is reasonable and they are confident there is a good chance that it will happen this way. Ask your solicitor if there is anything more that they can do to assist with this.

You are concerned about how the social worker has shared full details of their recommended transition plan with the children and that this means their plan will happen. I think that there is an interim care order in place which does give children’s services a greater say in decision-making for the children; it also means that they should prioritise the children’s needs. So I can see the dilemma. Perhaps the best thing for you to do may be to let the children’s Guardian and their IRO know your concerns about how events have happened and your preferred transition arrangement and consider what they have to say (check with your solicitor first so that you are working closely with them and not doing anything that would negatively impact on the court’s decision).

You should check your younger children’s health care plan to see what has been recommended regarding dental health and let their social worker know your concerns about their dental needs. They can follow this up with the supervising social worker for the foster carer. You can ask for feedback following this.

I hope this helps.

Best wishes

Suzie