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Fostering

Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on fostering.

Have I left it too late?

2 replies

MarshmallowFluff11 · 19/05/2021 00:25

I've posted before under a different name but have changed ID's for the purposes of this. Apologies that this will be long

I went into foster care permanently shortly before my 12th birthday. I had several placements before being moved to another family just before I turned 17. When I moved in with that family I was a typical, if slightly quirky teenager. I have a diagnosed learning difficulty if it's relevant.

The foster carers in question were awful to me. They were emotionally abusive, cruel and completely destroyed my life and mental health. By the time I left (after 14 months) I was suicidal and completely traumatised. It's been 10 years since I left and I'm still dealing (through counselling) with the aftermath of that last placement.

In 2019 I asked for a copy of my social services file. This was suggested by my counsellor as part of the therapy. The file eventually arrived but a large chunk of paperwork (that I know existed) is missing. This all relates to the last placement I had and is around 18 months worth of my life. I made another request for this stuff and was told the council had never received it from the IFA that the foster carers were with. I contacted the IFA and they said that they had passed it onto the council.. Nobody seems to know where it is.

I put in a complaint (with the council) at the time I left that placement. It was investigated, but I was mentally very unwell at the time (because of the actions of the carers) and I wasn't told the outcome for several months. They sided with the FC's, blamed me and took no further action

So my question is after 10 years can I still make another complaint against the carers and the IFA?

I don't want money or compensation. I want an apology and my missing records back

Thanks for reading

OP posts:
f0stercarer · 19/05/2021 10:29

as well as the ifa having records the council should have their own records independent of the ifa so when the la says they havent received stuff from the ifa and that is why they dont have anything that is not an adequate explanation. Even though you were placed at an ifa you would still have a LA social worker who will have been responsible for regular visits and record keeping. Sounds like they have something to hide.

Cassimin · 21/05/2021 11:56

I’m with IFA and as f0stercarer says we have visits from both my social worker and our child’s social worker. Both have to record all that has gone on. I must admit ours are very thorough.
We also have meeting with schools and all of those are recorded.
When reviews took place was there an IRO? If so could you get in touch with them?
All of this info should be held by the LA, I agree sound like they are trying to cover up something.
Could OFSTED help?

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