letterbox contact

[Orchid]

Hi I would welcome any advice or comments on letterbox contact. I am supportine a woman whose children were placed for adoption about 10 years ago, she has maintained yearly letterbox throughout these years. Her eldest daughter is now 16, (the other is 14) and the birth mother is wondering if and when the eldest daughter should be writing her own letters? presently the birth mother writes to the adoptive mother who then replies on behalf of the children - usually an update on their hobbies and academic progress throughout the year. She is one day hoping for a reunion and feels the adoptive mother should now allow or even encourage the children to make their own contact. ps the children were not at risk from mother but from her ex partner who is not in any contact with birth mother. Thanks

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear Orchid,

Welcome to the parents forum and thank you for posting.

I think you have raised a very interesting question. I suggest that you contact After Adoption. You can also contact them on their advice line on 08000 568 578.

I can see from their website that they are experienced in answering questions about contact from birth parents in relation to their children who are adopted.

Good luck but post back if you have any further questions.

Best wishes,

Suzie

[SicilianRose]

Hi there,

I am writing as my 5 year old son is in foster care at the moment. I t is a very difficult time for me and I am hoping to meet other parents who are going through the same situation as myself. It has been ruled that my son cannot come home to me as it is believed by the social services that I have not made enough changes to have my son return to my care (however I disagree completely).

My Mother was assessed for an SGO and the viability assessment in the beginning was very positive until it came to the transition plan and it seems that the social workers conducting the plan and contact were unhappy with her because of such stupid reasons which we plan to challenge.

Anyway to cut a long story short, the LA's care plan is now for my son to be placed up for adoptions despite my wishes for him to come home or be placed in the care of my Mother. We have a tough job ahead to fight in court and persuade the judge that adoption is not in my sons best interest.

As I said I am hoping to meet any parents in the same sort of situation as me to share advice and information. If there is anyone out there who can relate to myself then please do get in touch asap.

Many Thanks


Edited by Suzie to remove personal details

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear Sicilian Rose

Thank you for your post.

Can I just ask what your son's legal status is? Is he subject to any care or placement order, as this may effect the advice you are given here?

Best Wishes

Suzie