to fear that opting out of the child health surveillance system will lead to me being referred back to social services?

[WinstonDuncanSmith]

I posted yesterday about how my (as yet still unborn, but due in 3 weeks) DC2 already has on his/her records details of allegations made against me with regard to DC1 - in the section asking for siblings on the child protection register - even though DC1 was never on the CP register and even though the allegations relating to DC1 were proven as unfounded.

Having spoken to the health visitor and the PCT in question, it seems as though hell will freeze over before they agree either to amend the records to reflect the facts of what took place, or to reorganise the records to clarify that DC1 has never been on the CP register. My only recourse is the Information Commissioner, and that's not going to get me anywhere before DC2 is born.

So it feels as though my only option is simply to opt out of the entire system and refuse to see the HV, simply to let DC2's records gather dust in a forgotten archive. I know that I'm entitled to do so, but I've also heard anecdotally that many women who try end up being referred to SS and investigated as potential child abusers.

Realistically, how likely would this be to happen?

All experiences welcome.

Don't withdraw from the system. Just make yourself unavailable, and keep re-scheduling appointments if they are REALLY insistent on contact.

Stay polite,vague, and absolutely firm about the fact you don't need any help at the moment.

Assuming that's true of course .

Sorry - I meant to say, obviously if you DO need help, don't be afraid to ask.

Otherwise , ignore, ignore, ignore.

claire Im not getting into a whole debate on vaccines, that wasnt the point I was making and also I dont like the inference that intelligent people chose to vaccinate, so therefore only stupid people dont, yes? Or was that also tounge in cheek?
Aswell as the comment about good mothers take their children to the HV?

Also, how do you know that I am not a health professional?

My point was that being told that you have to see a HV and vaccinate your child is pure lies, and what a parent choses to have put inside their child is their own choice.
Health professionals saying otherwise is basically bullying and should not be allowed, but as my story and Vallhala's and many others show, it happens.

I don't think it has anything to do with intelligence. More arrogance to be honest. But this whole anti authority thing that you have going on is just not my cup of tea. I dont relate to people who think everyone is out to get them.
It is just boring. And I do believe that all children should have their yearly checks with the health visitor. Perhaps if everyone did this we wouldn't have the massive problems with delayed speech when children start primary school. But I admit I am not an expert and this is just an opinion I have reached from working with neglected children.
The comment about good mothers taking their children to the health visitor was actually pointing out what sw will be looking out for, so you have actually taken that out of context.

Winston - this organisation might offer some advice re the notes on your file.

I had SS trying to investigate before DD was born after malicious false accusations levelled at my partner (now DH) about his supposed treatment of me. I understand how stressful it can all be and how you would not want that to mar your time with DC2. I didn't have anything on file like you as all got nipped in the bud long before that stage. I haven't seen a HV since DD 7 week old. Always take her to GP instead that supported my family at the time of the allegations (had been both of our GP for years). I agree with other posters however, that they will because of the incorrect entries on your file the HV's will have you on a list of people to watch more closely. If HV's are sympathetic this should not be a problem, but I have heard and read about people (some on MN) who have had HV making some negative comments which were unfounded. HV are not all highly trained and come from a variety of backgrounds before becoming HV's, they can say some very inaccurate and strange comments sometimes, even about matters regarding health of children, which is supposed to be their field of expertise! If you do chose to see HV I would make sure that it was with one of the ones that you have a good relationship with that know you well or you can do the initial checks and then switch to seeing GP for any further appointments.

Claire: the thing is that HCPs are just human beings, and while many of them are wonderful people, competent and dedicated, there are a percentage who are either badly trained, burned out by the job, or unpleasant individuals who see this line of work as a good way to exert power over other people.
So it's important for everyone to know what the limits of HCPs powers are, and how to compliain about individual ones who appear to be either incompetent or malevolent.

I can understand how anxious you must feel but I agree with many of the other posts - to opt out will raise anxieties - the way to see less of all the professionals is to initially see more of them. I would not waste energy trying to defend your position just give them the evidence that you are a good mum and they will quickly move onto another family that may need support. In these days of cuts they cannot stay involved with a family where all evidence is that you and children are fine.

Spring chicken, I totally understand that, to be honest I find my hv to be a bit anal, however, I felt the general attitude of some members of refusing to conform is incredibly short sighted. Hv and sw can't seem to win, ask too many questions they are being intrusive, take a step back and they aren't doing their job properly. If you arent happy with your hv you can always ask to see a different one. My foster son didn't see a hv for years and years as his mother opted out, she didn't mean to neglect him, but I can't help but feel if she had got help ten years ago he wouldn't have the huge number of problems he now has. And also, his current social worker has been absolutely brillant and did everything he could to keep the family together. It just seems we only hear about the mean things sw do. It should also be mentioned that 80 percent of kids in care are returned to their parents so sw do try to keep families together whenever possible.