Fosterers being difficult during reunification

[LRM25]

Hi

We are in week 10 of reunification. In the last 4 weeks fosterers have become real difficult and coming up with all kinds of concerns that are just silly like having a runny nose on handover during having a really bad cold.
Has anyone had this and have any idea how I should handle it please?
I want to make all kinds of complaints but don't want to rock the boat and just want my boy home.

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear LRM25

Welcome to the parents’ discussion board. Thank you for your post. My name is Suzie. I am Family Rights Group’s online adviser.

It is good to hear that you and children’s services are working together on a plan for your son to return home to your care. You must have worked hard to get to this stage. You are in the 10th week of the planned return.

You explain that the foster carers have become difficult in the last 4 weeks, raising concerns when your son is returning to them such as your son having a runny nose, when he has a cold. You are wondering what to do about this.

If this situation is causing problems and you feel that it is impacting on the return home plan, then I would suggest that you discuss it tactfully with your son’s social worker. There does need to be a plan around ‘handovers’ including noting any changes or sharing of relevant information but if this is not working as well as it should then do discuss with the social worker. If the foster carers are raising any concerns about your care of your son, then of course you would have a right to know this and to respond. Your son’s Independent Reviewing Officer should also be copied in, if there are any significant problems. However, if they are minor issues then hopefully you, the social worker, the foster carer and their supervising social worker can resolve them amicably.

I hope this is helpful.

Best wishes

Suzie