Child Care after suicide attempt

[Luna3101]

I was wondering if anyone knew please, if a single parent attempted suicide whilst their child was at school and failed, would social services remove the child from their care?

Nobody can give an exact answer but it will depend on too many factors. Social services would look at the bigger picture of support and ultimately the safety of the children involved as to what was best as a short term option while long term was looked at

I don't know, but I'd hope so, temporarily, so that the parent can access the help they need. No child should be left in that situation surely?

Thank you, yes I'd expect that, she is a fantastic Mother and her child is very well cared for, I know she would not do this whilst her son was in her home. When she is alone in the day though I have to often check on her as I'm worried she may attempt to take her life and the removal of her child from her care would leave me very worried that she may keep trying.

I really hope they would and honestly you don't know that the person wouldn't do that with the child at home. Can you get the authorities jnvolved asap?

Yes I do know that, like I said she is a fantastic and very attentive Mother and I've seen it for myself, she's already been to the GP, I went with her to her first appointment and GP felt there were no safeguarding issues which I agree with. Obviously somebody who thinks everyone with depression is a danger to their child 🙄

Hi op I'm a social worker. Just general advise but in situations like this we tend to do safeguarding whereas we bring family onboard to supervise the parent with the child until there is a further assessment.

Thank you so much! This is good to know as I'd have them both temporarily stay with me in a heartbeat whilst any assessments took place. I just want to be able to help and know how to advise and support her, as for most parents I know her child is what keeps her going and I'd hate her to go through anymore heartbreak than she has already in her life

I made no assumption about everyone with depression being a risk to their child, you didn't mention she had depression so I couldn't have made that link. Not everyone who dies by suicide has depression.

Hope you all get the support you need.

What does she think will happen to her child if she succeeds??

I'd want more support in place. It's a lot for you to be "checking" with this fear.

Has the gp referred her to anyone? Mental health services?

Can you get Early Help involved (Google early help and your area) which is support for the family.

Id be pushing all the doors for support. The fear that that child might come home to not have a parent is frightening.