Fabricated or induced illness

[Franticmum]

Hi. I was reported to social services by I know not whom. The social worker did an initial assessment and then held a strategy discussion, including one of the clinicians that looks after my daughter, and then has decided to go on to a child protection case conference. I have 3 daughters aged 16, 12 and 3. There are no domestic violence issues, my husband and I have been together for 22 years and are still in a good relationship. Neither of us drink, we don't touch drugs. We don't even smack our children.

However, she has decided there are child protection issues but she refuses to tell us what the concerns are. She has withheld the information since the beginning but had a short phone conversation with my husband in which she let slip that she thinks I have fabricated my 12 year old daughter's illness. My daughter is a wheelchair user - she has chronic pain syndrome and a kidney anomaly.

Since she will not tell us what the issues are we are terrified that we will not be able to defend ourselves. I've read all the guidance and I know what she is supposed to do but she simply does not do it. I've spoken to her line manager who said she would tell her to do it, but this has made no difference.

She did tell my husband she can have our children removed, though. This, I think, gives some indication as to the type of person she is.

My worry is that we are going into a conference next week with no representation, no notice of what we are accused of and, essentially, no defence.

Being a parent of a child who is suffering a horrible disease is awful. Having these threats hanging over us is beyond unbearable. The thought of losing them is literally killing me. They are my treasured precious babies, each one of them, and I would do anything for each one.

Is there any advice for what we should do?

[seekingsupport]

Hello,

So sorry you're going through this. I'm sure one of the FRG advisors will comment and give you some good advice. In the meantime though, do you have a solicitor? If not, instruct one asap and ask them to attend the conference with you. Regarding your daughter's illness, do you have a consultant who can submit a report on the validity of the illness?
Try not to worry too much about removal at this stage (easier said than done, I know). SS cannot remove without a court order and there needs to be evidence of a risk of significant harm. Your legal will advise you further.
Log all dealings with the SW, and if you approach her manager over concerns on her working practice - do it in writing so you have a record and request a written response.
Above all else - breathe and stay strong!
Xx

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Hi Franticmum,

Welcome to the discussion board. Thank you for posting. I’m sorry you are having such a stressful time. There are a couple of issues I’d like to address here.

Firstly, as you have read, social workers should be open and share information with you about their concerns. The only time they do not need to do this is if they think it will lead to greater risk of harm to the child if they do. You say you have discussed your concerns with the social worker’s manager who said that she would tell her to share the information but it has still not happened. In which case, you might want to consider making a formal complaint to the manager. There is more information about making a complaint in our complaints advice sheet. Additionally, you should receive the social worker’s report prior to the conference which will detail their concerns but I will add more about this later.

Secondly, as ‘seeking support’ has said, you could see a solicitor for advice. Do be aware however that legal aid in this area is very limited and so you might be required to pay for legal advice. If you would like to find a local solicitor specialising in children law, their details will be on the Law Society website. Although solicitors and advocates can attend child protection conferences, it is more common for the parents to attend alone. Remember it isn’t a court and the Chairperson should ensure that you’re given the opportunity to give your views as well as the professionals.

Finally, our child protection advice sheet gives in-depth advice as to the child protection process and our website has information as to what should happen at a child protection conference, including information relating to the social worker’s report that I referred to earlier and films that we have made showing a fictionalised child protection case conference in order to help you prepare.

I’d recommend that you read through the links I have provided and if you have any more questions, please get back in touch. If you would rather speak to someone, please call our free and confidential advice line on 0808 801 0366. We are open Monday to Friday from 9.30am until 3pm.

Best wishes

Suzie