Child Protection

[sharonash]

We had a foster carer bring a child in yesterday , saying we have to deal with her and if mum turns up we cant stop her taking him but we have to call the police We were quite alarmed by this so phoned social services who said yes this is correct so I have asked that they put something in writing to us. You would think they would deal with this with a bit more urgency at least letting us know in advance.Ive just phoned them again

 

I feel uneasy and unsure of what action to take how I can support the child as I havent a clue what is going on!

 

Can anyone help or advise please

 

Do you have any kind of form that you feel i should complete. Awful that I should be thinking so much about the paperwork

does this all make sense!!

sharon

[Inge]

Don't panic,

 

I would document everything, conversations with who (named), timed and dated.. Witnessed if possible

 

perhaps with one signed by the foster carer or a witness to sign they were also told. to confirm her conversation with you and what you have to do until you get your letter from Soc Serv.

 

And have telephone numbers you need to call recorded and at hand in case they are needed.

 

The chances are that it will not happen , we have had this said to us but parent never turned up while child was with us.

 

Support child as they need it, follow your instincts, and be as 'normal' , you may well be one stable part of the routine they can rely on at the moment, not knowing circumstances it is hard to comment much further , but we always feel that if we can give the child a stable everyday routine, people and environment it will be beneficial to them.

 

Inge

[Guest Wolfie]

I agree with everything that Inge has said.

[sharonash]

bless you

 

thanks xx

[HappyMaz]

We had a foster carer bring a child in yesterday , saying we have to deal with her and if mum turns up we cant stop her taking him but we have to call the police We were quite alarmed by this so phoned social services who said yes this is correct so I have asked that they put something in writing to us. You would think they would deal with this with a bit more urgency at least letting us know in advance.Ive just phoned them again.

sharon

So this is the brave new world of inter-agency working in order to support children in need is it? Flow of information seems a little one-way doesn't it?

 

Very sound advice to which I can add nothing. I hope you get the support you need in your setting so that you can continue to give the child the support he needs.

 

Maz

[Guest]

I'm going on a course in November on inter agency co-operation I'm quite looking forward to it actual!!!!!!

 

Go with what Inge has said document everthing and get all parties to sign. Make sure you always have those sort of conversatiuons with a witness as well. I have a member of my Admin team sit with me taking notes. Then its not just your word on a conversation.

Good luck

[Guest]

Did this come up on the registration form - who signed this form and under what authority - does the foster parent have full details on the child so that she can inform you of any medical history etc.? How would you know the mother if she did turn up? Have you actually met her becuase if you haven't then surely your safety procedures would not allow you to send this child home with someone you didn't know or who hadn't been included in the emergency contact - collection book. I think you ought to be careful - chances are the parent may never come in but if she did would you just let the child go with her. I think you ought to draw up a plan for this eventuality to make sure that all staff are aware and also for the protection of the child who will obviously be distressed - how are you going to deal with this? Who will deal with the parent, the child etc and who will you call. I do think that you need to be very clear on what you will do. Sorry lots of questions to think about but always best to try and think of everything. If social services say that you must let the child go but then call the police - then this seems a bit odd - what happens when they cannot respond quick enough - it doesn;t ring right to me. If the child is on the safeguarding list then surely someone must inform you of the procedures.