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

The child is the concern here and obviously AS can't use her until it has all been cleared up. The same would happen to a teacher or a nursery worker if allegations were made they would be suspended immediately and not hear anything from the school until the investigation was finished.

The foster carers union was set up precisely because of this situation. Nothing they can help with now, but would be useful for her in the future if she decides to continue fostering.

The fostering system is broken beyond repair, hence the government review published in December that recommends a complete overhaul of the system. It fails our children, it fails the carers.

There is a FB group that she might be able to find advice and support : Foster Carers UK - Mistreated.

SHe should be cautious of joining other FB groups for advice as some FC groups are run by LA social workers....

she should also ask for a copy of the LA allegations procedure....

Thank you for your comments, I will certainly look in to the Union. She understands that she won't hear about her continuing to foster until the investigation is complete, but is quite upset that no support was offered, not even her link worker has been in touch.

If her link worker attended the strategy meeting (the initial round the table discussion about the allegations) then she cannot support the FC....its a mad situation.

Technically the link workers manager should attend the strategy meeting and then the link worker can still support the FC. It never happens this way. I feel for your relative.

Does this person have access to a support network of other foster carers (Im a FC - we have 4 different support groups - N, S, E and W) and while its largely get togethers over coffee and cake, some of the more experienced FCs can really be invaluable in supporting peers.