Broken hearted over my DS

[DistressedMumHELP]

Okay, i want help and reassurance really. I have name changed for this in case anyone recognises me. I was stopped and asked for an account of events yesterday after witnessing an altercation and the police officer noticed the bruise on my little boys cheek. Which i explained was where he had fallen in between the step and bench in my garden, they then noticed he has bruises on his legs around his knees, so eventually they arrested me on suspicion of ABH. I was of course a mess, but i was told at the time that it was procedure etc, so i was compliant with them, Last night i got released on police bail and was of course expecting my little boy back, but today after seeing social services they have said i cant have him returned to me. I am heart broken, i have never hurt my child on purpose, and i look after him as best as possible. Originally they were saying he didnt talk, but today in front of the social worker he was talking, and i am trying to explain that he gets shy about talking, when they say he is friendly etc. They went through all my history and i have been as open as possible with them, and i dont know what to do. They want to keep him in care and are applying for a court order on friday to do so. I plan on seeing a solicitor tomorrow, the only reason i didnt today was because i didnt leave the social services until half 5 so no where was open.

I NEED A HUG. I PROMISE I WOULD NEVER HURT HIM AND FEEL THAT JUST A FEW BRUISES HAVE TAKEN MY SON FROM ME.

I want him home. Does anyone have any experiences? How long will it take? They said they couldnt say,

[Lougle]

I'm sorry it's so tough. So would you be able to see him on Saturday 22nd December?

[Fluffanstuff]

Op ,
I work very closely with social services and I know for a fact that there will be more to this story. I also feel that perhaps this isn't the place to be posting this and any concerns should be discussed with your social worker. I have a feeling that you will probably have been through the section 47 process in which case you would know that if your child was deemed as a child in need you would have had it explained to you that certain actions would have consequences.

If anyone tells you it will be over quickly I hate to tell you the opposite , your child will be have been removed because they will have deemed him to be at risk. Wether this is true or not be prepared.

Should the courts deem that he will stay with you , expect daily visits from a social worker who should discuss a plan of action with you. You WILL need to change some things.

If the courts deem that he should go into foster care you will still work closely with a social worker , over a long period of time , should you adhere to their plans you will have the opportunity to work towards having him back. This isnt a decision that will be taken likely and it will only be proved through action rather than your say so.

For all parents reading this post social workers get a hard time , but as many of you will realise this won't be the whole story. Children are resilient little beings and these people do this job for a living , we are able to tell between being scared and being under developed.

[DistressedMumHELP]

I have

[Fluffanstuff]

Focus on getting him back with you keep working hard at it and it will pay off x

[DistressedMumHELP]

Been told 26 weeks. My court date will be march.
I don't see how they can just take him on holiday for Christmas and ignore my current scheduled contact completely?
Which I.have been going.to, always early, little man happy.

[Lougle]

I think you need to talk to the Social Worker about that one. I guess they must have to balance the needs of his foster family too. I'm glad that your DS is well.

[Fluffanstuff]

Yep like Lougle says they will be balancing everyones needs , although it might feel a bit crappy just think however hard it is if he does go away for a few days , he might really enjoy it and although it dosn't always feel fair social worker and foster family just like you will all being doing what they think is best ... so many opinions !!

[DistressedMumHELP]

The foster family are going to parents so I was thinking of a compromise as in seeing him the Saturday before and then coming back sooner.

[DistressedMumHELP]

Unless that sounds unreasonable. The reason I didn't say no and I said this to my social worker was that it is an opportunity for him that right now I can't afford and I don't want him to miss out

[Lougle]

Well, tbh, depending on travel involved, it may not be worth going if less than a week. What is the legal position? I presume that as he is in LA care, you can't actually refuse anyway?

[DistressedMumHELP]

I have parental responsibility. It's cornwall (i live in London) the LA also have responsibility too but so do I. My social worker said I can say no and they would have to change their plans.

[Lougle]

How are things, DMH? How is contact going, and your freedom programme?

[AintNobodyGotTimeFurThat]

Did you ever get him OP

[Kikipost]

Was your son returned OP?