What will happen to my friend's baby?

[turbo1]

I am sorry if I have put this thread in the wrong place.

My friend had a baby taken by the SS at 7 weeks of age. She is now 12 months. I do not know why she was taken as he is refusing to tell me (claiming he has no idea) but I do know the SS are considering long term foster care or adoption.

Several family members have come forward to be assessed with a view to having custody of the child. However 2 have learning difficulties, one is a 19 year old single mum who had been the victim of repeated DV incidents and the other ones have criminal records.

How "perfect" (for want of a better word) do family members have to be to get custody? As the family members are not birth parents I know they have less legal rights. Do they have to meet the same thresholds as prospective adoptive parents? I know to be adopt you have to go though a pretty rigorous assessment.

Also one relative is absolutely hated by my friend (for good reason). Is there any way the SS would place the baby with an enemy of the parents?

If they deem that relative to be the best carer then yes they will place the baby with them, regardless of your friend's feelings towards them. They will act in the best interests of the baby not your friend

I have no first hand experience of what they look for in carers, just anecdotal from other people's experiences, hopefully someone else will be along soon to advise you better

I really hope we get some advice. I was actually involved with the SS as even though he is a relative I caught him pushing the pram absolutely legless on drink and drugs and reported him.

I feel really guilty-I just wanted him to get help and support-not have his child removed.

But you said in your OP you didn't know why the child was removed...

I think the only reason people call SS is because they think the child will be better off taken away.

Unfortunately that's the risk you take, that the children could be taken off them, when you phone SS

@tee2072

He has said he has no idea why the child was removed. I know someone who works for the SS who described what I reported to be the "tip of the iceberg".

The reason I contacted SS was for them to get help and support. I thought the SS would put them in touch with drugs counselling and help with parenting. This did not happen. Only 2 weeks after I phoned the baby was gone.

Obviously SS thought what they needed was more than help and support. They have to do what's best for the baby. And I'm sure they did.

i'm sad but you are right Tee

I would have thought that if its been 12 months you would be too late to suddenly step in and say i will look after the child now - its probably nearing the date for final hearing and adoption.

Things must have been beyond him getting help - you did the right thing

i dont want custody of the baby

Bear in mind that if SS deemed it necessary to remove his child then you should be relieved that you did call. Don't feel guilty or sad - you've done the baby a huge service in alerting SS to their circumstances.

You/he should get in touch with Family Rights Group who advise people involved with SS. Sorry I can't link as on phone but if you google it they will come up.