Do you have a disability social worker?

[mumofoneAlonebutokay]

Are they like social services? I think we need one as I need some respite but i'm so afraid of the stigma 😔.

I'd never judge someone else but for me, I can hear my evil step dad echoing in my head, shaming me.

Yes, they are part of children’s services, but you shouldn’t feel ashamed or let that put you off.

I think it might be time. I'd love a babysitter to come by every so often and let me have a night to myself x

I don’t but then my DC are quite high functioning and I do have support.

Sounds like it could be beneficial to you

We have. Nothing to do with our parenting, everything to do with our child's high needs and the impact this has. Our other son has never been in trouble and is doing well, so it definitely isn't that.

My son is considered a child in need, but that is because we need support to manage his needs as they are really high. I know of other parents who have one and they are great parents, professional jobs etc, just have similar children.

I think what you might be worried about is child protection and that is where a child is at risk due to parenting/environment.

I always say we have a disability social worker to separate it out. I wish I had one sooner as ours has been brilliant. A CAMHS team that deals with children with learning disabilities specifically may also help you too. Not sure how old your child is though, they tend not to deal with younger children.

Don't let other people's ignorance and judgement put you off asking for help.

Oh and tell your step dad to put his money where his mouth is and come over and babysit if he thinks it is so easy.

Thank you all for being kind in your responses. Yes, even if someone did need child protection support, doesn't mean they're a bad parent, but I don't think we need that.

I'm honestly terrified of putting one foot wrong and losing her.

My step dad and I have been estranged for 5 years - but I think about telling to go fuck himself often 😄

All I think I'd need is a babysitter for dd, every couple of weeks - would they provide a sitter?

Call it a PA rather than babysitter, but yes, that could be the outcome of an assessment.

There is no way that you’re going to lose her. The emphasis of the Family Court is very much on keeping families together and the bar for removing DC is very high.

Don’t let worry stop you from seeking support, especially of the idea of having your DC taken away was planted by someone who should have looked after you and clearly didn’t

Thank you both. I'm taking my time to get it straight in my head but think I would need to ask for a personal assistant budget

I'd love for her to just have an evening playing with someone who isn't mummy as well as for me to get a break x