Second child after previous child in need plan

[Jessbp98]

My husband and I want to to try for a second baby we have a 4 almost 5 year old son .back in 2022 social services were involved and a child in need plan was in place .social services have not been involved since roughly July ish of 2022 the child in need plan didn’t last long .we both really want a second child but I’m scared that the second I become pregnant and professionals are aware that social services will become involved and potentially do a pre birth assessment or try to take the baby .I am aware that we have to tell the midwife of previous involvement at the booking in appointment, I guess I’m scared that the midwife will think we’re bad parents because of the previous child in need plan and refer us to social services .I also have anxiety and depression which I take citalapram for .I’m really worried that telling the midwife about my mental health then disclosing the previous child in plan would mean a referral so social. If social services were to find out about a potential baby/pregnancy I’m scared that the previous child in need plan and my mental health would be what makes them do a pre birth assessment or try to take the baby .sorry if I’ve rambled on or repeated myself but needed tk get it off my chest .any advice ,experience or reassurance welcome .

Surely it depends on why you needed the CIN plan and what the outcome was, and whether those circumstances still apply.

(Fwiw you could have a child taken in to care and adopted, but still be allowed to raise a subsequent one if things have changed enough.)

@Jessbp98 try not to worry. You had child in need in 2022 and it was not for 2 long. Your case has been closed . The most they might do is touch base with you to see if you need any support. Which you can say no to.

Just for context my daughter had social services for 3 years during this time she had a 2nd baby and no children were taken away.

Hi
a CIN plan is not a child protection plan. Remember a CIN is voluntary and as you engaged with it it shows that you took the relevant steps and it closed. If it were a CP plan then that would be a different story. If I were you I would mention it to the midwife, I think you’ll feel better not hiding anything, she will only make a referal to SS if she feels your baby will be at risk. From the sounds of it you are managing your metal health responsibly.

A CIN plan which was subsequently closed shows that you did all that was asked of you for your child. You can be pleased and proud that you needed help for a short time only. As long as you’ve maintained the changes you were asked to do, and there’s nothing new that SS would be concerned about, you’ve got nothing to worry about.