Abuse allegations fostering

[needsomelegaladvice]

A Member of my family is a foster carer, currently under investigation as an allegation of physical abuse was made against her by a child that was under her care for 7 years.

He had history for making these accusations which were all disproved but since he was taken to a residential home (due to his increasing violent and aggressive behaviour) he made an accusation and the police were involved.

The police conducted their interview and are happy that they aren't taking it further as allegations have no substance and are quite unbelievable.

The council fostering dept have failed to support my family member through any of this, not even a phonecall to ask how she is, offer of any support / counselling etc. She has now had no child (due to other reasons) since October and pretty much no contact from them since November. She is in total limbo about if She still has a job.

This is one of many of a long list of failings on their part and I'd like some advice on how to proceed with a complaint, possibly even legal advice against them.

I'd really appreciate some advice

Hi,
I am a foster carer and the first thing I would like to say is that your relative has been treated dreadfully! What shines from your post is the lack of support. Look up the Huffington Post' Foster Carers Must Be Treated Like Other Professionals' and you will see that 33% of members stated that they had experienced an allegation with only 2% substantiated. They describe 'an outrageous lack of support' and 'a sense of abandonment'. So unfortunately your relative is not alone!

I would advise your relative to join the GMB - which has formed a union for foster carers. They will give you expert advice about your next step. They will support your relative. This branch of the GMB is the fastest growing, so it shows there is certainly a need.

Hugs to your relative and I really hope they get it sorted x

I think that the issue for your relative is that they are not "employees". They are self employed. They are basically on their own. We used to use Fostertalk for advice and counselling but it sounds like you need legal advice. It is good advice to approach GMB. I am pleased to see that there is a fostering arm.

It is sad that this child has a proven track record for false allegations. Where is the incentive for him to stop hitting out with allegations and start to take personal responsibility for his actions? Sounds like this is embedded behaviour and probably his go-to when stressed. It is not going to help him as an adult.

I wish your family closure and it is good that you are there for them through this awful situation.

Fostering network are good for advice re allegations. SpottydogDomino is absolutely correct when she says your relatives are on their own. That's how it normally works.

Your relative needs to make a phone call to see where she stands now as her LA may not know she's now ready for more placements and she needs to know where she stands.