Does having had a child removed mean a new baby will also be removed from a parent?

It is very common for parents in this situation to be worried that their new baby could be removed. Even if they feels things are now different. Sometimes pregnant women and fathers-to-be then try to avoid health care or other services. But this is not a good idea. It is likely to make things much worse.

When children’s services are notified that the mother is expecting another baby, they will get in touch to start a pre-birth assessment. When doing this assessment, children’s services will take into account what has happened in the past. But they must look at the parent’s current situation.

The best things for parents to do are:

1. Stay in regular touch with health services and keep appointments

   This includes seeing the GP and midwife regularly. This will make sure that the right health care (‘antenatal care’) is in place during the pregnancy. And the right care after the birth.

2. Work with children’s services

   This will help make sure there is a good pre-birth assessment done. It will help to develop the right plan for when the baby once born.

3. Working with children’s services may involve:

• • The social worker clearly explaining their concerns
  • Parents working with the social worker to understand these concerns
  • Parents taking steps which may help to overcome the problems. Including understanding the problems which led to a previous child being removed. And working through what has changed since then
  • Understanding what support is needed to help with the new baby. And how to get this all put in place
  • Involving wider family and friends. Thinking through what support they can offer. And who could care for the baby if a parent is unable to.

If social workers are worried the baby may be at risk, they might arrange a child protection conference with other professionals to discuss planning for the baby further.