Can social services be involved with my child if I was in foster care?

[Kuldip1987]

Hi. I was in foster care from the age of 15-18 as a child. I’m now 20 years old with a partner of 2 years and we are expecting our first bubba in November. As I was in care (not for serious reasons) I still have to be visited every 6 months by a PA from 18+ team until i’m 24. They do not know I am pregnant yet however are coming to visit me on Monday.

Will the social services be involved with my child due to me being in foster care my self. My life is perfect I own my own property and was never a problem to the system. I’m really worried that they will be involved however. Please can someone give me there’s opinion on this :)

Are you worried about the baby being taken away?

I can't see that why they would be any more involved than they are now. You have a stable home life, as long as you are doing what pregnant women do , scans, health appointments etc, there would be no reason for them to intervene.

I know its easy for me to say, but try not to think of them as the enemy, they could be very helpful.Try not to be defensive. If they offer support try and take it as just that - support.

My son's birth mum was a care leaver who had him at 20. But she was basically homeless, relationship not stable, drink, drugs and domestic violence involved. She didn'nt engage with SWs who were trying to help her. That doesnt sound like you does it?

Congratulations on your baby

When I worked with care leavers there were no concerns if they were in stable accommodation, stable lifestyle, accessing the appropriate medical services. Congratulations

I think I am more worried that they will be on my back 24/7... There is no reason at all for the baby to be taken for me. My house is clean and spotless i’m healthy and so will my baby be.

Thank you for your messages and views though! I feel much more relaxed about telling them now!

And thank you for the congratulations we are so so excited!

I think I am more worried that they will be on my back 24/7

They won't:

• They don't have time. There are (unfortunately) much higher priorities than you.
• They can't do anything without your consent. You aren't a child protection risk just because you were in care.

If the visits are useful then see it as an extra person to chat to and get advice. If you find it intrusive, then just ask them not to come; but better to engage if it doesn't bother you too much.

It is lovely to hear when the care system does it's job and someone makes a success of their life. Congratulations on your first- it's quite hard, but it's fab.

Think you would be best placed with 3rd party professional help out side of social services . too keep you are in control.
Have used these with excellent success for young adults in similar situation will help both mum and dad, is voluntary but will offer support for 3 year's and provide a mentor/nurse support advocate.
www.family nurse partnership.nhs.uk
or google www. fnp.nhs.uk
best wishes xx

I know of lots of care leavers who have children and are still only receiving the same Personal Advisor level of support - try not to worry and it'll definitely help to be open with them about baby

Hi, just to add to what others have said - you don't have to see the post 18 service (leaving care service?) every six months. It's voluntary, if you don't want to see them you absolutely don't have to. It should be to offer support, not make you feel checked up on, which is what it sounds like. Maybe have a conversation with the worker about this - if you don't need or want the support, they should withdraw.