Social Services say i need to quit job

topaztiger1983

We have social services involvement with our unborn daughter they are saying if we want to keep her then I have to quit my job to care for my partner who has mild learning difficulties

Can they do this, I don't know if I can cope on benefits again

Plz help me, got to go to work now but will elaborate more later if needs be

Thanks

TT

Poppie68

topaztiger1983 wrote: »

We have social services involvement with our unborn daughter they are saying if we want to keep her then I have to quit my job to care for my partner who has mild learning difficulties

Can they do this, I don't know if I can cope on benefits again

Plz help me, got to go to work now but will elaborate more later if needs be

Thanks

TT

You would be better posting this on in the Relationship forum, There a social workers, health visitors and others with a wide experience on there.

GwylimT

If they believe your partner is not capable of caring for a new born baby they can ask you to do this yourself, as a parent you should be doing at least half of the care when little one is born anyway.

If your partners learning difficulties are mild why can't she get a job?

skylight

Find yourself a local solicitor who deals in family law and has had dealings with social services in your area.

Dealing with social services is complex - there are many arguments on each side and you need someone to watch your back. If social services are already involved and are making noises about the possibility of you not being able to keep your baby then matters are further along the track than you want them to be.

jetplane

In a word yes. However there would be more to it than a mild learning disability SS must believe your child would be at risk if you are not at home to support your partner.

You should be referred to ensure you receive all benefit entitlement, if your wife has care needs DLA or PIP and Carers Allowance and Income support could be an option. Housing benefit and council tax relief, support from your local authority and social services can be accessed.

Only you know the full detail, is there a CPP or CAF. If so you should be offered ongoing support. You could also contact a solicitor if you thought you had grounds to challenge SS decision.

topaztiger1983

I have spoken to my manager about the situation & he has said that he will speak with head office about me taking a career break for as long as i need (upto 3 years, i think), once our daughter is at school then I can go back part-time

tomtontom

Sorry to hear this TT. Do you feel social services are right, what are your partner's thoughts? Have they offered any external support, perhaps a support worker that could come in for a few hours?

Learning difficulties cover a myriad of conditions, and many with difficulties make very capable parents. SS should not be telling you to leave your job without looking at all the options, and they certainly shouldn't be threatening to remove your child.

I'm not sure where the best source of support is for you. I'll have a think and come back if I come up with anything.

tomtontom

Mencap offer advocacy services, so they may be able to put you in touch with someone who can help you deal with SS.

https://www.mencap.org.uk/our-services/personal-support-services/advocacy

I'm not sure how useful the following will be, but they may be worth a call too.

http://www.frg.org.uk

Sncjw

I would have thought they would find support for your partner and you rather than taking child from you.

Can I ask if social services were involved prior to pregnancy.
Is the child on the at risk register?

topaztiger1983

We had a previous child removed from our care 6 years ago, but I was due to his extra needs (Autisim) not only our parenting

But we have changed a lot since then

missbiggles1

GwylimT wrote: »

If they believe your partner is not capable of caring for a new born baby they can ask you to do this yourself, as a parent you should be doing at least half of the care when little one is born anyway.

If your partners learning difficulties are mild why can't she get a job?

Not if he's at work full time and his partner's at home!