children services

[s900]

My friend has social services involved, has she has had previous children removed her and partners care many years ago they have a 4 month old now social services have no concerns with care baby is getting now so far all assessments they have had have been positive. they have a PLO in place and even that was positive and showing the commitment to caring for there baby but they have t have assessment done cognitive on dad has he has learning difficulties ad a joint psychological assessment done on both for their emotional well-being and to see if there is any risks in their parenting
but my question is will they lose their baby if either assessment is not their favour if there are any social workers can offer advice please do so thanks

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear s900

Thank you for posting on the Parents’ Discussion Forum.

I understand your concern for your friend and her partner regarding Children Services involvement with them and their 4 month old baby. Your friend must be grateful for your support.

Regarding your friend’s current situation, it seems that Children Services have taken the view that although they have had previous children removed, they are working with them in respect of how they are now. If Children Services thought the baby was at any immediate risk in their care they would have taken action to remove the baby. They should try to be positive about their current situation.

The PLO meeting which your friend and her partner attended would have allowed them to have their solicitors present so that a way forward could be discussed. It appears that the decision made was for further assessments to be carried out. These have been positive so far and they need to continue working with Children Services as they have been doing.

Regarding the outstanding cognitive and psychological assessments, it is possible that these too will be positive. The outcome of the assessments could be that your friend or her partner or both needed added support and help to safely care for the baby and meet his needs as he grows up.

It is difficult to say whether or not your friend or her partner are likely to lose the baby if either of them fail the assessment. A lot will depend on what is said about them and whether it is said they pose a risk to the baby in the long term. Hopefully, the assessment will be as the others have been, positive.

As I have said earlier, your friend and her partner may need additional support to look after the baby and his growing needs, but this is something that would need to be considered by Children Services and other professionals working with them. There is also the possibility that one parent could be identified as the person who will be the main carer for the baby and the other parent providing support.

I think it best for the parents to wait for the outcome of the assessments rather than worrying at this stage about losing the baby. It is best for them to concentrate on the assessments being carried out and doing the best they can.

Please look at the Frequently Asked Question on our website here . The section relating to Child Protection should be helpful.

Should your friend wish to speak to an Adviser about her situation, she should telephone our advice line on 0808 801 0366. The advice line is open Monday to Friday from 9.30 a.m. to 3.00 p.m.

I hope that you and your friend will find this information helpful.

Best wishes

Suzie