Social Services say i need to quit job

belisha-beacon

I would definitely recommend getting an advocate from a charity that specialises in disability or learning disability. Social services are meant to only take children away from parents if reasonable support measures don't work, but sadly this process is often skipped with people with learning disabilities. This article might be useful: http://www.communitycare.co.uk/2011/09/23/supporting-learning-disabled-parents-to-keep-their-children/ And this article has a list of really useful things that can help someone with learning disabilities to parent well: http://www.bestbeginnings.org.uk/parents-with-learning-disabilities (it includes support organisations that may help you)

A friend of mine has a disability and social services were initially sceptical but once she had an advocate, social services sat down with her and worked out which benefits she was entitled to that would pay for a support worker to do the small number of things she herself was not able to do. Her child is very happy and doing really well :-)

LilElvis

You haven't said whether you have support and help on hand from your families. Are they prepared to help if needed? If so, they need to step forward now and join in your talks with social services so that they know to take their assistance into account when discussing what you need to do to do to keep your daughter.

topaztiger1983

My family live close by and are willing to help if needed

Wilma33

From the information you have provided, it sounds like some form of childcare whilst you are at work might be the best option so you don't need to rely on benefits. A nanny would be ideal as your partner could then still be involved in the childcare during the day. I think this is definitely worth raising with social services.

meritaten

I can only echo what others have said about contacting relevant charities for help. I wasn't familiar with this condition so read your link. and nothing on there raised any 'red flags' about your partners ability to care for a child with proper support. and surely the fact you work and she copes with that on a day to day basis, underlines that with SUPPORT both of you could care for a baby? and you have family close by who will support you both?
This breaks my heart actually - a couple with a much loved baby who are 'JUDGED' unfit, but not given the right support. Who have worked so hard to turn things around and SS come swooping in making threats and demands.
heard on the news today that over 3000 babies had been removed from their mothers...............that is an amazing amount of babies! and that was just in England alone!
I have to wonder if this is due to the 'demand' for babies for adoption. and the extreme judgmental attitude of 'some' Social Workers.

LilElvis

topaztiger1983 wrote: »

My family live close by and are willing to help if needed

If you want to keep your daughter then they need to be proactive and speak to social services so that they are aware, and can be assured by, their assurances of being there to help. This isn't the time to be "woolly", social services are going to be leaning towards intervention due to their past involvement so only positive action will persuade them that it isn't needed with your daughter.

topaztiger1983

sometimes I think that SS get a commission for each child they get put up for adoption

LilElvis

Wilma33 wrote: »

From the information you have provided, it sounds like some form of childcare whilst you are at work might be the best option so you don't need to rely on benefits. A nanny would be ideal as your partner could then still be involved in the childcare during the day. I think this is definitely worth raising with social services.

A nanny? Does this really sound like a family who can afford a nanny.

topaztiger1983

They are saying that they want our daughter to stay with us, but the option they are giving is that I give up my job, which I have worked hard to keep

LilElvis

topaztiger1983 wrote: »

sometimes I think that SS get a commission for each child they get put up for adoption

They don't. But they will be held to account if a child comes to harm when concerns have been raised.