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'snatched' by social workers

384 replies

DuelingFanjo · 02/12/2009 23:40

oh ffs

I know it's the Daily Mail but Social workers don't snatch children!

She looks good for 48 mind!

OP posts:
blueshoes · 04/12/2009 21:29

Hello, abit. I have said before on these threads that I am thankful for johnhemming's efforts in this area to shine a light on injustices and poor practice in child protection. He has gone well beyond the call of duty in the secret morass that sometimes passes for the system. I am sorry for your experiences with social services around your daughter's birth. I wish your family all the best.

The fact that some posters try to sling mud matters not one jot for my regard for johnhemming's work in this area and I am sure I speak for others as well.

pofacedandproud · 04/12/2009 21:43

Abit. I admire your bravery in coming here to support JH, but fear you may suffer undeserved abuse as a consequence.

abitontheside · 04/12/2009 22:02

Those who wish to be abusive towards me may be, my relationship is hardly a secret - its been in just about every national newspaper and a good few of them slagged me off in one way or another. I've chosen my path, I love the man I've chosen and I accept the pitalls that come with loving someone in John's position (both in his personal and public life).

StewieGriffinsMom · 04/12/2009 22:13

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pofacedandproud · 04/12/2009 22:19

Who is bullying those who are criticising his policies without making personal attacks SGM? Which posts?

wahwah · 04/12/2009 22:25

I would hope that any abuse can stop now.

Anyone who has read any of these sorts of threads knows that I have problems with some of johnhemming's posts, agree with others of his, have concerns about his views and the legitimacy that his role as an MP gives them, but, I don't feel a need to stop him doing his thing, whatever his agenda or motivation.

I've always thought John believes in what he does, I think he's often misguided and a bit bonkers, but there is a sort of integrity to it, even when imho he's spouting nonsense about 'evil'.

I don't always agree with Nananina, but from my perspective I think she began posting on Mumsnet wanting to share her views, experience and considerable knowledge and the hostility she got in return was unfair. The fact the she robustly defends our profession was enough for her to be attacked (and there was one or two people talking about reporting HER to, let's not forget).

I detest the way that these threads go. I hate the polarisation and the way that many people just seem to want to dump on the Social Workers on Mumsnet and not listen to what we're saying about the reality of the world we work in. I find it odd that Spero's offer to take people in the 'secret world' of the family courts has not been taken up by anyone. I'd have thought she'd have had to beat people off with a sharp stick.

So, what to do to enable a positive discussion which isn't all bland and cuddly, but at the same time doesn't make some of us want to bang our heads against a brick wall?

dittany · 04/12/2009 22:28

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dittany · 04/12/2009 22:35

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pofacedandproud · 04/12/2009 22:36

I've always stayed away from these threads for the reasons you describe wahwah, but I felt really worried about some of NN's posts. I'm really sorry you think people want to dump on SWs here, I certainly don't, and have said many times I think they do an extremely difficult job and do it very well the majority of the time.

LeninGrad · 04/12/2009 22:40

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abitontheside · 04/12/2009 22:41

Wahwah you strike me as a far better SW than some other posters because from wht I've sen you accept there are 2 sides to a question and you appear to research issues properly. I wish any SW I'd had the misfortune to come into contact with had had those attributes.

if I had the time (which I don't) then I would happily take up Spero's offer. If I had the time she'd need the sharp stick without question.

StewieGriffinsMom · 04/12/2009 22:41

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pofacedandproud · 04/12/2009 22:43

you keep saying that SGM. Where? Where is the catalogue of abuse towards SWs? Please show me, I honestly don't know how you can say that, so prove me wrong. People have felt v upset by NN. I can't see where there is a general abuse towards SWs.

abitontheside · 04/12/2009 22:54

Just to add wahwah - thank you for your apology on the other thread even if it was directed at John and not me!

LeninGrad · 04/12/2009 22:59

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pofacedandproud · 04/12/2009 23:03

I think that was wannabe abit.

abitontheside · 04/12/2009 23:08

sorry all these W's are very confusing! Its been a long week

StarlightMcKenzie · 04/12/2009 23:15

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StarlightMcKenzie · 04/12/2009 23:21

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Spero · 04/12/2009 23:29

JH I am not trying to ban you from mumsnet. I would like you to stay and answer the criticisms made of you.

Was Wall LJ wrong about you?

www.familylawweek.co.uk/site.aspx?i=ed1283

And it is pretty bloody rich to criticise me for criticising you when you categorise child protection lawyers as those who roll over just to pay the mortgage. That is offensive rubbish.

My problem with JH is that he is an MP which gives him status. I think he misues that status to talk crap.

He thus diverts attention away from the real problem with the system, insults those who work hard within it and does nobody any good whatsoever.

pofacedandproud · 04/12/2009 23:30

what is the real problem in the system Spero?

Spero · 04/12/2009 23:38

The real problem is that it is underfunded. There should be support offered to families at a much earlier stage. By the time child protection workers are involved, things have usually got so bad that the children have to be urgently removed, which leads to all sorts of obvious distress and confusion for the family who have previously had only piecemeal and ineffecutual interventions.

Believe me I have NEVER had a case where I thought Social workers were a bit quick off the mark in taking a child or for ridiculous reasons, like being called fat.

I look at a chronology of years and years of misery - my case this week involved TWENTY THREE years of attempts at help and intervention. Mother had serious learning disabilities - no doubt JH is even now preparing his case for Strasbourg about the serious injustice done to her on the removal of her child.

There is no money to help parents who could be good parents if they had therapy/counselling. they simply go on to have another child who is taken away, etc, etc, etc.

And then, on top of all this, we have JH et al fermenting more trouble with their ludicrous assertions. At least some people on this thread are protected by their ignorance - and i can do something about that! come to court with me and THEN slag off those who work in the child protection system.,

But JH has NO EXCUSE. he has been to court. He has been roundly criticised by a very senior and very well respected member of the judiciary who was horrified by his behaviour.

And I am a bully because I say he is wrong and dangerous? Well good. i'd rather be a bully than a mindless follower of JH and his iilk.

StarlightMcKenzie · 04/12/2009 23:45

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LeninGrad · 04/12/2009 23:46

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Spero · 04/12/2009 23:52

Before a LA can take care proceedings it must send a 'letter before proceedings' This outlines the LA concerns in plain language. It advises the parents to go to a lawyer immediately. the state pays for this lawyer on a non means, non merits basis. So you get it for free.

I do not accept that this is an 'evil' system. I do not accept, as JH asserts, that I am stooge of the state who 'rolls over' in the face of gross misjustice to pay my mortgage.

This is utter tripe. Tell me JH why you think it proper to insult my profession so. Give me the names of these lawyers who act in this repulsive way. Explain exactly how you came about this information.

LeninGrad, exactly so. Not many newspaper campaigns for these sorts of things are there?