Baby P

[GeraldineMumsnet]

Hi, to make it easier for people who are finding this subject very distressing, we're going to keep all Baby P posts in one thread. If you'd like to discuss this subject, then here is the thread to do so. We'll go on the other threads and link to this one. Thanks very much.

Well done and well said Emmapr. Before this story hit the headlines I was planning on volunteering with HomeStart and I will be doing this when my DS who is 6 months is a little older and I can build two hours a week into my routine.

I too am shocked at the accusations that have been flying around on MN. Posters have turned to the site in order to help come to terms with the shock of what happened have been blasted for being sentimental, engaging in 'competitive sadding', or accused of being naive in thinking this Baby P is a one off case.

We all know Baby P represents too many other cases out there but this one has been displayed in graphic detail and has forced us out of our bubbles in order to face up to a manifestation of evil beyond comprehension, that has challenged our senses and emotions in every way imaginable.

Nothing will undo that catalogue of catastrophe that led up to Baby P's death, we can't go back, but we can all move forward positively with greater awareness about the issue of abuse, maybe becoming less paranoid about our own children being snatched from under our noses, and more concerned about other more vulnerable souls living with a real threat of abuse behind closed doors.

I voluntered for Homestart before I started my nursing course. They are a fantastic organisation and I really wish I still had the time to volunteer for them. I was assigned to a family with many problems, it was thoroughly rewarding to work with them.
Homestart should get Govt funding instead of being reliant as a charity, they do not get the credit that they deserve.

That's a great post EmmaPr, I was just going to say would it be worthwhile still volunteering at Homestart if I worked full-time, but it looks like it would be!

apparently the Crown Prosecution Service are now considering charging the evil piece of work who was Baby P's 'stepfather' with offences against the other children in the family.

Shame the officials weren't displaying the same level of concern for the family before poor little Peter was killed.

Well said Emma and Spaceman about the accusions of faux sympaphy, outsadding people or other sick ultra cynical sentiments.

When Victoria Climbie was killed it barely registered with me, I had nothing to do with and even didnt like children then. It's only in the last 3 1/2 years I have become a "step parent" to a beautiful wonderful 5yo girl and now a parent to a 15 month old scamp.

I first became aware of the state of childrens services when I met DP. He was forced to go through the family court system to keep his relationship with his beloved DD. The state sanctioned abuse of children in the secret courts is appalling. I heard more and more of the damage being done to children by selfish vindictive parents. I then noticed more and more parents and the state failing children with terrible cases in the media perpetrated by parents of either gender.
So many sickening cases, the worst by far being Baby P. Having a 15 month old myself makes it really raw.

I have wanted to help in the past, so I supported my DP in his charity work, he helps keep fathers stay in contact with their children post separation.
On the same road we have a refuge for victims of DV. I watch the women and children come and go wondered if I can help.
I read about possibly mentoring for a child.
Like Emma I work full time, I will try to find some time to help.

Great post, Spaceman.

Thank you, emma, spaceman, elenor, mamadiva, tiredmama, louiestrumpet and many others for your good work with homestart, women's refuge etc in supporting children and these families. It is very worthwhile.

Eleanor as a step parent would you dsay that the so called 'must've been the step parent' mentality not annoy you?

Genuinely interested BTW it seems bad that yes there was a maternal parent if you can call her that involved but I noticed that on one of the old threads it seemed to be more aimed at her than him because he was not the childs father.

I find that a horrible attitude as all of those involved were monsters and yet somehow being a step parent seems to take him out of the equatin of evil.

Sorry for asking that and hoping you get what I mean as mucked up as it may seem am awful with words but was just iontereste as pbviously you have been both a parent and step parent(but a parent to that little girl).

I think volunteering is a really wothwhile thing to do.

I volunteered after college for Women's Aid and a local homeless charity. I really loved it, met some fabulous people, had a great social life and really kick started my CV (also felt good about doing something worthwhile).

Hope to do a bit more soon when the kids are in school. Anyone considering it should go for it you wont regret it!

It will be the same as it always is.

"Lessons will be learned" and "we must never let this happen again", will be spouted.

We will hear how SW are overworked and they do a very hard job.

More children will die.

They are doing no better a job now than they were in the 1970's. imo.

Got an email back from my local MP

He said that he has already signed up to the EDM and he thinks its very worthwhile thing and if anything is ever going to be done about the state of childrens services then it is compulsory that as many MP's as possible sign this

I am quite pleased I know that my email wasnt just binned now

mamadiva, which political party is your MP from?

Labour

Does that metter never voted in my life although am only 22 so thats only 4 main votes then I think

"We will hear how SW are overworked and they do a very hard job."

this is true though. Some people are obviously not doing their job properly - that's true in every profession - but, just like nurses and midwives, social workers are overworked and they are under resourced.

Best way anyone who really cares can help is train to be a social worker yourself.

Glad to hear your MP is Labour. Mine is Labour too and I am waiting to hear from him. I was afraid that a Labour MP would be slow to support the EDM initiated by John Hemming LibDem MP but now more hopeful.

For others, you can also write to your MP to support John Hemming's Early Day Motion for a review of children's services: here is the writetothem link again

Indeed, edam.

Whilst I agree that raising awareness, voluntary work etc is to be applauded I still feel that both central and local goverment should be taking more responsibility (financially) in helping families, especially vulnerable ones - and not relying on charitable organisations to take up the slack.

Bubble99 (to answer your post nearly 24 hours ago!) yes, I meant funds not necesssarily being used appropriately!

I also wrote to a few MPs last week including my local MP - the IMO horrible George Galloway - to ask them to support this EDM and to press them to demand a public inquiry into Haringey SS from the government - but haven't heard back from anyone yet. My impression this week is that there is now going to be enough independent scrutiny of Haringey council due to there having been such a public furore over the case.

"Give it a break mabana, the majority of gentle everyday folk like the most of people on Mumsnet would not care less if a Prison Officer turned his back on a sadistic child abuser being given a beating."

I think this kind of sentiment is disgusting. Prison officers are in positons of authority and trust. They know what will be expected of them when they begin this type of work and have a duty to act responsibly.

somebody earlier mentioned how prison brutalises and deepens crimimal activity in people - is it any wonder if prison guards behave imorally?

such a load of psycho babble, claptrap and ignorance on this thread........

lol at the posters on this thread still desperately trying to be all pc - next you will be going out with your banners asking for equal rights for these beasts. Why the hell should prison officers have to be around these things day in day and out - have you actually seen what life is like inside - far, far too easy - the 'mother' is actually comparing it to Butlins - I'd bet my right arm Peter was never taken to Butlins or anywhere similiar. All he knew was that disgusting dirty hell hole of a home

Catchastar - I could have written that post myself..that's exactly how i've been feeling recently. I don't normally get so emotionally involved in what's been happening, there's been so many sad new stories every weewhile, but this one has really got to me. it's been the last thing I've thought of before going to sleep (or TRYING to sleep, but just can't).. It will get easier with time for us all, and having a kid the same age as baby P makes it even more hard to let go, because you imagine how he must have acted so similar to your own wee one as he/she is just now. his face haunts me.

I have worked in forensic mh/ld, fifitot. so i've got a little background into the mad or bad debate, worked with sociopaths, psychopaths etc. but nothing quite as horrific as what has happened with this tragedy. i'm just as shocked as the next person. having kids makes all this really hit home.

how do you know the mother is comparing it to Butlins?? more tabloid gossip you have willingly believed no doubt.

and as for "Why the hell should prison officers have to be around these things day in day and out" ummmmmm, it's their job. One that they have presumably chosen to do, been trained for and are paid for.

I won;t be going anywhere with banners - leave that up to the mindless vigilantes.

If being 'PC' now means being against senseless and needless violence that serves no purpose other than the person carrying it out getting a kick out of it (now does that ring any bells in what the perpetratos are said to have done ?) -then yeah...maybe I am PC.

Twofalls put it best earlier in the thread:

'Whilst I do understand the need in many people's eyes for this type of "justice", a civilized society cannot allow rapists and murderers and the like to decide what kind of punishment others should get. Its just wrong I'm afraid, whatever your personal feelings about what should happen to the perpetrators of these crimes. '

if they are big enough to dish it out to a baby then they should be big enough to take it. I doubt all the ordinary people on the outside who want to do exactly the same thing the prisoners have got the chance to do, will ever be able to because they will no doubt be released in a few years, given new identities and protected for the rests of their lives. What kind of justice is that?

justice???? justice for who???? for you? for the other blood baiters on this thread? for the 'unfortunates' working in prisons?

will you all sleep better if the mother is beaten to death in prison, will what happened to baby P then stop 'haunting your dreams'?