Intrusive social worker

[timesup123]

My child was on the child protection register until his father was admitted into custody last month. I have moved area and as the risk "of harm" is considered removed ( father now detained) the case is now downgraded. I have always co-operated completely and fully with any social services involvement .
However this new case worker has visited twice now and each time asks to see my child's sleeping area... why is this?
My care of my son has never been questioned and has been described as a very high level of care on a both physical and emotional level. I'm just confused.

Presumably if you still have a SW then your child is now on a CIN instead of a CP plan? Your SW will still have to complete an assessment, and part of that will be assessment of a child's living space which includes their sleeping area/arrangements

The SW isn't being intrusive but is merely doing their job and carrying out a thorough assessment. Please do work with them

Oh absolutely... I am glad of any help or support they offer. Moving from one area to another has exposed all sorts of differences between different trusts. Previously my case worker never asked to see anywhere in the house and that was on a higher level, so this just confused me a little that's all.
I have nothing whatsoever to hide :)

Honestly it'll just be a box ticking thing as part of ongoing assessment. It's difficult but try not to take it personally.

Thank you Downton.... you're right, I'm probably taking it personally. Tough times :(

It’s not personal, they have to make these checks. Lack of cooperation will look like you have something to hide, just let them see and then it’s done.

Definately Daisy.... I would never refuse. It's just been on my mind

I'm very shocked that your previous SW didn't check your sleeping arrangements if your child was on a plan; that's more of an anomaly

Your child has been off the child protection register for only one month and you are now getting shirty about social services intervention.

Wow.

Not atall shirty.... merely curious. As somebody else has said it now sounds like it was the last trust who were maybe the anomaly and not this one. I just want the best for my family.
Please the last thing I need right now is a bashing.

That's a bit unnecessary saiya, OP was just asking a question and a valid one at that, seeing as it looks like the first SW might have overlooked something or not have been doing her job properly.

It can't be easy to come on here asking for advice when it involves revealing such a situation so give her a break.

Yes, I agree with others; the sleeping arrangements thing is just part of on going assessment to ensure the risks are indeed minimised/gone. They can't just check on one visit, it's all about being evidence based, so don't take it as anything sinister. They have to evidence what they assess, and clearly you're able to provide evidence that the child is now indeed safe, so no worries.

Your first social worker should have had a check of the sleeping area for your child. They shouldn't have just assumed that private areas were at the same level as the public ones, that is a pretty basic error on their part. Don't worry, 2nd social worker is just doing what they should.

Thank you to those with positive messages.
I must stop thinking they are out to " get" me and really are supporting during this vile time.
It does indeed sound like the previous team were lacking.

I am a foster carer and the sw does this to me as well. It is routine. She even asked to see in his wardrobe once no doubt to make sure that i am not sending him out in rags.
He has been in my care for over 10 yrs now and we have never ever had an incident or complaint as fc so it is no reflection of your care of your child.
But it is a bit intrusive and irritating i grant you. Just smile and nod !

If he was the risk, why are they examining you? Are they seeing you as a risk too?

It’s part of the routine; there’s been children where the house is lovely but the child’s room is disgusting or almost non existent so unfortunately everyone who social workers visit has to be checked.

whatyadoing, it's all part of standard assessment process. It would be irresponsible of the new area SWs to just not assess when a child is coming off the CP register; they cannot make assumptions (and would be on the front page of the daily mail much more often if they did!) They have to have evidence that a child is now ok, they can't just assume. Just for example (not about the person who posted this thread) but there are many, many parents where an abusive partner is just the latest in a long line of risks that the parent has exposed the child to.

Just to say... I have been told that my standard of care and emotional warmth is very high. They are supporting me now due to the high levels of anxiety the situation has left me with. For that I am greatful!!

what There are standard assessment frameworks that are completed as part of each level of protection, CIN will have it's own assessment that needs to be completed as whole regardless of the reason for the assessment. The welfare of the child is looked at in the round so I wouldn't worry about them looking at your care, they will need to do this to undertake their assessments properly.

timesup123 I'm not surprised you've been left with high levels of anxiety! sounds like you've been in a really stressful situation. But you've got you and your daughter out of it! all the best. Hope the anxiety settles soon.

We get irregular visits from a disability social worker, it's a necessary evil for accessing any kind of social care support for our autistic son. They always want to see his bedroom. It's become a standing joke.

Definitely feeling relieved that I'm not alone.