Suspended from work

[Sundayblues13]

Has anyone ever been suspended from work ? Is it possible to go back after ? Very stressed with this

hub.unlock.org.uk/knowledgebase/childcare-disqualification-requirements/

This has some info on disqualification by association. My interpretation is that you live with someone who has a police caution for violence against another adult (common in a DV situation) you can be disqualified by association from working with children.

And yes it seems that all the consequences fall on the victim not the perpetrator AND make them more vulnerable to the abuser by removing their means of financial support.

cherries it really isn't as simple as that. When a perpetrator realises a victim is going to try and leave the risk of harm to the victim increases massively.

Do you work in a school or similar? I know things changed a few years ago and we all had to declare if we lived with anyone with any sort of criminal record specifically but not limited to children. One girl had to get her son to move out as he had an assault charge against him from when he was a teenager..he was late 20s by this point. If she didn’t she could have been in the sand position

I do work in a position that involves children . We’re not together anymore I can’t cope with the limbo and the being made to justify the fact I am a good mother and I’m not a shit person I’ve done nothing wrong , feels like everything has been taken out of my hands and I don’t see a way to make it better .

The advice is appreciated though , thank you

My friend was in a similar position, except she stayed with her abusive partner. She was eventually reinstated at school though. It was very very stressful for her, at a time when she was already completely stressed. She had help from her union - have you got someone who can help you?

I have no advice but that sounds awful for you OP. I hope it does get resolved quickly.

The school (or whoever you work for) only need to be considering whether you are able to keep the children you are employed to care for are safe. Whether you are a good mum is neither here or there really.

Are you being seen by social services with regard to your own children? That's a whole different ballgame and can get messy particularly if your ex makes allegations or your kids say things. I really feel for you. No one wants to be judged.

In my friends case she has had weekly visits, she and her partner have had to do various courses, and they are all still in the same house. And the kids witnessed him strangle her and break her ribs so the threshold for removal seems amazingly high, but there you are.

DC have t been witness to any incident. Social services are currently dragging their heels completing an investigation which is another added level of stress

I know the uncertainty is agony BUT the fact that social services aren't rushing would suggest they don't have massive concerns, so try and see that as positive. And if you are suspended on full pay it does give you time to focus on the kids and trying to put your life back together although it can feel like as a victim you are the one being punished.
Are you a member of a union?

is there anything you are worried about with regard to when social services do their assessment?

You are no longer in the relationship and the kids didn't see anything so that must show you have put their needs and safety first.

With the suspension - did you tell your employer that social services were assessing the kids for child protection reasons! Not disclosing it was what got my friend into trouble, but the union helped her with explaining mitigating circumstances.

Social services investigation completed - all positive ... now to deal with work

Ironically on the 25 November there's a "16 days of action" campaign which is all about employers supporting those staff in DV situations and encouraging them to speak up. Do you have support from the community DV lead?