Contact with a prisoner

[Mummy112]

Need some advice for my friend
So she’s currently pregnant and she’s got social involvement with this pregnancy due to her last child but it’s all getting better
She’s recently got in touch over call with her old mate in prison and been in touch for few days she’s worried that now ss will find out

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear Mummy112,

Thank you for your post.
You explain that your friend is 38 weeks pregnant, so is due to give birth very soon.
Children’s services are involved due to your friend’s history with a previous child. You do not give details of the steps that children’s services have taken, and any assessments or reports completed in regard of your friend's unborn child. You do say that things are looking positive and that is good to read.

You can read more about how children’s services work with parents to be here.

You mention the contact your friend has begun with an old friend who is in prison and say that she is concerned about children’s services possibly finding out about this.

Your friend’s decisions on this matter hinge on whether there are risks to her unborn child or any other children in her care identified by children’s services, and whether her contact with her friend in prison is likely to be seen as relevant to management of those risks. Sometimes children’s services are concerned about a continuing or resumed relationship with a particular person who may present a risk to a child. Obviously I am making a general point only as I do not know your friend’s full circumstances or the reasons that children's services are involved.

In general, it is better to be open and discuss any matters that could be relevant with children’s services. The Family Rights Group guide to working with social workers here could be of use to your friend.

Your friend could also reach out for support to any other professionals involved to discuss this contact as it is clearly on her mind and the time just before giving birth can be emotionally demanding. Birth Companions offer support to expectant and mothers who are facing challenges. Their contact details are here.

I hope this is helpful.

Best wishes,
Suzie

[Mummy112]

She’s has social involvement with her first due to her being 16 years old and she couldn’t cope with her youngest at all back then , this is why they now are involved again to make sure it don’t happen again
She’s only recently been in touch with her mate in prison he is in there involving drugs , he isn’t a danger to any kids etc but she just isn’t aware if ss will find out shes had contact with someone in prison or not

[Mummy112]

Ss will still be involved with her baby when born they will be coming to visit her quite a bit

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear Mummy112,

Thank you for your updating posts. I will reply to both of them here.
You explain that children's services are going to remain involved with your friend and her children. I hope that she is able to work collaboratively with children services.

As discussed in my previous response it is better for your friend to be open with children's services about this resumed contact if she feels that children's services would be concerned to know it has taken place. It's clearly an issue that is causing her some worry.

In general children's services are reassured when they assess that it is possible to work with a parent even when there are risks identified. Risks can be lessened and a parent can reflect on any changes sought when mutual trust is present. I am again including a link to the Family Rights Group Guide to working with social workers which will be useful to your friend.here.

Best wishes,
Suzie