I'm struggling with this

[Flower3545]

Lo's social worker rang yesterday and told me lo will be going home soon

She is 15 months old and been with me from birth, her parents have failed 3 previous assessments and the case is due in court this month.

However another assessment was requested and it would appear they are fractionally improving in their parenting so the assessors gave a positive report and social services have decided to integrate her back home.

I am struggling with this knowing to some extent her family background and what her life will be like now.

I know no-one can help but I needed to write this down and try and cope with the feelings I have.

This a very difficult situation. The assessment will have been requested by the families solicitor and your Los social worker may well not agree, may even have challenged but the legislation dictates what happens and social workers have very little say in court proceedings. You are not the only one that struggles with these systems, many social workers do to but they can't show it. If you have serious concerns raised them at the LAC review and ensure your concerns are recorded. Do other proffessionals share your concerns? Ensure they also speak up.

In terms of moniotoring her when she has contact with her family, you say you know something of the family background, I would look for things that connect with that. If it was neglect does she look unkempt when she returns, is she clingy, hungry, any marks on her body eg bruises that would indicate she has not received adequate supervision.

Alot of the things you have been told by ss must have been very frustrating but it does seem they are not expecting the rehab to be sucessful but as the legislation states the best place for the child is with the birth family they have to show they have done everything they can to ensure this has happend.

Please don't think I agree with what the legislation says, (think its more about saving money than the welfare of the child) but hope some of what I have said may give you some ideas about where to go from here. Lots of luck. Lo is very lucky to have you.