Getting towards the end of a Pre-Birth assessment & decision

[scaredandlonely19]

I’ve been going through a pre-birth assessment, it was finished last Tuesday & I was told my social workers manager would have it by Friday just gone, once her manager has made a decision the social worker is going to ring me to arrange coming out too see me to tell me what there recommendations are.

My questions are -
1- I’m currently 32 weeks, 33 on the 17th, I was told I’d know by 36 weeks but I’m worried that won’t happen, do they have too let me know by 36weeks?
2 - There’s no current concerns, just concerns about injuries that occurred with my son 6 nearly 7 years ago as they were documented as NAI & no explanation - his dad admitted too 2 accidents that occurred but the court never believed it - I don’t know what happened & have said that from the start as it’s true, but can they say my new baby can’t come home due too what happened 6/7 years ago?
3 - if my social worker & her manager say she can come home will it still go to panel? (I was told if they recommend she doesn’t come home then it has to go to panel & panel then have to decide if they agree or not - I’m worried that loads of people who have never met me are going too judge based on what happened 6/7 years ago & never give me a chance to prove I’m a good mum)
4 - if the social recommend she doesn’t come home & it goes to panel should panel also complete it by 36 weeks or is it just a case of the social worker has to complete it by 36 weeks? I’m worried I’ll go into labour early & miss out on time with my daughter because they haven’t made a decision.

Sorry for the long post, I’m just stressing so much now as I have no idea when I’m going to find out what’s happening & im worrying I may end up going into labour early or being induced as I’m currently being investigated for a few things that could mean I have to be induced at 37/38 weeks & I haven’t bought everything yet as I’m scared there going to take her away from me then I’ve got all her stuff that I can’t physically let go of even though she won’t of ever used them & I still need too sort her nursery out but again I’m terrified of doing it incase they don’t let her come home as I’d have to walk past it all the time & she won’t be in there

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear scaredandlonely19

Thank you for updating us on your situation. I am sorry that you are under stress awaiting the outcome of your assessment.

If it is helpful your midwife may be able to help or advise you about your stressful situation and your concerns about going into labour early. Mind the charity has some information about perinatal mental health, you can find it here.

It may be helpful to contact the social worker and ask how they are progressing and whether they have a definite or approximate date when they will make their recommendations.

In our previous messages to you, in March, we signposted you to information covering assessments, working with social workers etc, here is a section on our website dedicated to parents to be, I hope it is helpful.

Best wishes

Suzie