CPR Part A 1 - 5
CHILD’S PERMANENCE REPORT
(Where there will be an Application for a Placement Order)
|Name of child |CHILD 2 |
|Date of birth |CHILD 2 d.o.b |
|Photograph of child |
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|PHOTO ATTACHED |
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|Date photograph taken |Between June and November 2020 |
Genogram(a)
2. Adoption agency details
|Name of agency |ADOPTION AGENCY |
|Address |ADOPTION AGENCY address |
|Tel. no. |ADOPTION AGENCY Tel. |
|Adoption agency case reference no. | |
|Name of social worker completing this form |SOCIAL WORKER 1 |
|Address if different from the one above |SOCIAL WORKER 1 ADDRESS |
|Tel. no. |SOCIAL WORKER 1 TEL. |
|Email |SOCIAL WORKER 1 EMAIL |
|Signature: |SOCIAL WORKER 1 SIGNATURE EMBEDED |
|Is the social worker qualified under the Restriction on the Preparation |NO |
|of Reports Regulations 2005 to prepare this report?(b) | |
|If no, give details below of the person who is qualified and has supervised the preparation of this report |
|Name |SOCIAL WORKER 2 |
|Signature |SOCIAL WORKER 2 SIGNATURE EMBEDED |
|Name of team manager(c) |SOCIAL WORKER 2 |
|Address if different from the one above |SOCIAL WORKER 2 ADDRESS |
|Tel. no. |SOCIAL WORKER 2 TEL. |
|Email |SOCIAL WORKER 2 EMAIL |
|Signature |SOCIAL WORKER 2 SIGNATURE EMBEDED |
|Name of social worker responsible for family finding (if known)(d) |Not yet allocated |
|Address if different from the one above | |
|Tel. no. | |
|Email | |
|Date report completed |27th November 2020 |
|Date report updated(e) | |
|Date of agency decision that child should be placed for adoption | |
|Date of care order/placement order or any other orders made |Interim Care Order made on 4th March 2020 at the Family Court at Leeds by |
| |XX |
3. Essential information about the child (f)
|Surname |CHILD 2 SURNAME |
|First names |CHILD 2 FORENAMES |
|Other names child is known by (including familiar names) |CHILD 2 NICKNAME |
|Date of birth |CHILD 2 d.o.b |
|Place of birth |Pinderfields Hospital, Wakefield |
| |CHILD 2 was born at XX:XX and weighed Xlb Xoz. |
|Nationality |CHILD 2 is a British National |
|Sex |CHILD 2 is Male |
|Current address (can be withheld if confidential) (f) |CHILD 2 is placed in a Foster Placement |
|Local authority area of this address |Selby, North Yorkshire |
4. Details of current carer
|Name of person(s) at this address who is the main carer of the child |
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|FOSTER MUM and FOSTER DAD who live in Selby, North Yorkshire. |
|Relationship/status of this person(s) to the child |
|FOSTER MUM and FOSTER DAD are foster carers. FOSTER MUM and FOSTER DAD have cared for CHILD 2 and his sister, SISTER, since 4th March 2020. |
|Tel. no. |
|This is withheld. |
|Email |
|This is withheld. |
5. Family composition
This section should include birth parents, other family members, significant adults and other children and should specify the relationship to the child. Please set out the family members' full names, their dates of birth and their current addresses. For siblings (h) note whether full or half-sibling, maternal or paternal and if living with the child.
|Name |Relationship |Parental responsibility |DOB |Nationality |Ethnicity (g) |Address |
|SISTER |Sister |No |SISTER D.O.B |British National |White British |Placed with CHILD 2|
|CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER|CHILD 2’s |No |STEP-FATHER D.O.B |British National |White British |STEP-FATHER ADDRESS|
| |step-father, SISTER’s| | | | | |
| |father | | | | | |
|MATERNAL |Maternal grandmother |No |MATERNAL |British National |White British |MATERNAL |
|GRANDMOTHER | | |GRANDMOTHER D.O.B | | |GRANDMOTHER ADDRESS|
|MATERNAL |Maternal grandfather |No |MATERNAL |British National |White British |MATERNAL |
|GRANDFATHER | | |GRANDFATHER D.O.B | | |GRANDFATHER ADDRESS|
|MATERNAL UNCLE 1 |Maternal Uncle |No |MATERNAL UNCLE 1 |British National |White British |MATERNAL UNCLE 1 |
| | | |D.O.B | | |ADDRESS |
|MATERNAL AUNT 1 |Maternal Aunt |No |MATERNAL AUNT 1 |British National |White British |MATERNAL |
| | | |D.O.B | | |GRANDMOTHER ADDRESS|
|MATERNAL AUNT 2 |Maternal Aunt |No |MATERNAL AUNT 2 |British National |White British |MATERNAL AUNT 2 |
| | | |D.O.B | | |ADDRESS |
|MATERNAL AUNT 3 |Maternal Aunt |No |MATERNAL AUNT 3 |British National |White British |MATERNAL |
| | | |D.O.B | | |GRANDMOTHER ADDRESS|
|MATERNAL AUNT 4 |Maternal Aunt |No |MATERNAL AUNT 4 |British National |White British |MATERNAL |
| | | |D.O.B. | | |GRANDMOTHER ADDRESS|
|MATERNAL AUNT 5 |Maternal Aunt |No |AUNT 5 D.O.B |British National |White British |MATERNAL |
| | | | | | |GRANDMOTHER ADDRESS|
|MATERNAL UNCLE 2 |Maternal Uncle |No |MATERNAL UNCLE 2 |British National |White British |MATERNAL |
| | | |D.O.B | | |GRANDMOTHER ADDRESS|
|MATERNAL AUNT 6 |Maternal Aunt – |No |MATERNAL AUNT 6 DOB|British National |White British |LEEDS ADDRESS |
| |daughter of MATERNAL | | | | | |
| |GRANDFATHER | | | | | |
|STEP-FATHER’S |CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER’ |No |D.O.B |British National |White British |Address not known |
|MOTHER |mother | | | | | |
|STEP-FATHER’S AUNT |CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER’ |No |D.O.B |British National |White British |STEP FATHER’S |
| |Aunt | | | | |AUNT’S ADDRESS |
*Despite best efforts to identify CHILD 2’s birth father, we have been unable to do so.
6. Legal status of child
|If there is a court order in force, give name of court, date on which order was made and type of order |
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|CHILD 2 is subject to an Interim Care Order made on xxxx at the Family Court in Leeds, by COURT WORKER. |
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|An Issues Resolution Hearing is scheduled for xxxx. The Local Authority’s intention is to secure permanence for CHILD 2 via Care and Placement Orders. |
|Have any orders been applied for but not yet granted? If so, which orders and at which court and date of application? |
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|The care proceedings are ongoing; the Local Authority intend to apply for a Placement Order. |
|Give date of final hearing if known |Unknown – xxxx |
|If the child is subject to proceedings, who are the parties to the proceedings? |
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|MOTHER – birth mother |
|CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER – CHILD 2’s step-father and SISTER’s birth father |
|CHILDREN’S GUARDIAN– Children’s Guardian |
|Wakefield Local Authority – applicant of the Care Proceedings |
|Is the child provided with accommodation under section 20 or section 59(1) |No |
|of the Children Act 1989? | |
|Give details and date of any formal or advanced consent to the placement of the child for adoption and the making of the adoption order (and whether yet |
|witnessed by a CAFCASS officer). If subsequently withdrawn, give date withdrawn. |
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|This is not applicable for CHILD 2. |
|Give details and the date where the parent or guardian has made a statement under section 20(4)(a) of the 2002 Act that they do not wish to be informed |
|of any application for an adoption order. If such statements were subsequently withdrawn, give the dates of these withdrawals |
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|This is not applicable for CHILD 2. |
|Has the child any rights/claims under section 30 of the Fatal Accidents Act 1976 or any other rights to or interest in property which they may lose or |
|gain if an adoption order is made? |
|If yes, please give details |
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|It is not known that CHILD 2 has any rights or claims under Section 30 of the Fatal Accidents Act 1976 or any other rights to or interest in property. |
7. CAFCASS Guardian’s provisional view on whether adoption would be an appropriate plan if a care order is made (i)
Include name of Guardian, the date their view was given and whether written or verbal
The Children’s Guardian is named CHILDREN’S GUARDIAN. CHILDREN’S GUARDIAN has been the Guardian throughout the court proceedings in respect of CHILD 2 and his sister, SISTER.
CHILDREN’S GUARDIAN and SOCIAL WORKER 1 talked about how CHILD 2’s birth mother, CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER, and step-father, CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER, both want to care for CHILD 2 and his sister but are sadly unable to do so safely. CHILDREN’S GUARDIAN and SOCIAL WORKER 1 discussed how CHILD 2’s STEP-FATHER’s Auntie, also wished to be assessed to care for CHILD 2 and his sister but ultimately was unable to do so.
CHILDREN’S GUARDIAN and SOCIAL WORKER 1 have discussed a plan of adoption for CHILD 2 and his sister, together. CHILD 2 and SISTER need someone to care for them to make sure that they are safe, healthy and happy until they are old enough to look after themselves. CHILDREN’S GUARDIAN agrees that a plan of adoption is the most appropriate plan for CHILD 2 and his sister as there are no family members that are able to look after them and keep them safe until they are adults.
At the time of writing this report, CHILDREN’S GUARDIAN is yet to complete their analysis for the court proceedings. It is therefore only possible to include CHILD GUARDIANS’ initial thoughts about CHILD 2’s care plan “in principle”. As such, CHILDREN’S GUARDIAN is clear that if all the evidence before the courts indicates that there is no person available in CHILD 2’s family to provide safe care for him, CHILD 2’s only available care plan is one of adoption.
Verbal view – 18th November 2020
8. Chronology of the child’s care since birth (j)
|Age of child (yrs and |From |To |Placement details – name of parent/carer and |Reason for move |
|mths) | | |observations on the care provided | |
|0 |Birth |1 day |CHILD 2 was born at Pinderfields Hospital |MOTHER and CHILD 2 were considered fit for |
| | | |birthing centre on Gate XX. MOTHER was supported |discharge and therefore left Pinderfields |
| | | |through her labour with CHILD 2 by her mother. |Hospital to her mother’s address, MATERNAL |
| | | |CHILD 2 was born with no complications weighing |GRANDMOTHER ADDRESS |
| | | |XXlb XXoz. was cared for in hospital by MOTHER | |
| | | |who gave him his first feed by bottle not long | |
| | | |after was born. | |
|Approximately one month |May 2015 |4th March 2020|CHILD 2 and his Mum, CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER, moved |Wakefield Children and Young People’s Services|
| | | |to XXX. This house is a two bedroomed house – |became very worried for CHILD 2’s safety and |
| | | |MOTHER was very excited about securing her own |wellbeing due to CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER’s low |
| | | |tenancy and building a home for her and CHILD 2. |emotional health and her drinking a lot of |
| | | |When CHILD 2 was around six months old, MOTHER |alcohol on a daily basis. A lot of support was|
| | | |entered into a relationship with CHILD 2 |provided to MOTHER to try and help her manage |
| | | |STEP-FATHER. It is thought that during this time,|the struggles she was facing. However, MOTHER |
| | | |CHILD 2 was loved, fed, played with and clothed. |found it really difficult to make sure CHILD 2|
| | | |In April 2017, CHILD 2’s little sister was born. |and his sister were cared for whilst she was |
| | | |CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER, CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER, CHILD |feeling low and drinking alcohol. Social |
| | | |2 and SISTER lived together for a short time |Worker’s felt that CHILD 2 and his sister were|
| | | |after SISTER’s birth. When SISTER was big enough,|at risk of becoming harmed. Therefore, CHILD 2|
| | | |she moved to share a bedroom with CHILD 2. |and his sister were removed from the care of |
| | | |Sadly, MOTHER and CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER split up |MOTHER and placed in Local Authority Foster |
| | | |and this really affected CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER’s |Care. |
| | | |emotional health. MOTHER began to drink alcohol | |
| | | |on a daily basis which impacted her ability to | |
| | | |make sure CHILD 2 was clean, fed and played with.| |
| | | |CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER’s Mum, STEP-FATHER’S MOTHER, | |
| | | |would offer care for CHILD 2, whilst SISTER would| |
| | | |stay with her Dad. | |
| | | |In September 2019, CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER left the | |
| | | |Wakefield area to live in XXX. This meant that | |
| | | |CHILD 2 didn’t see CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER, who he | |
| | | |looks to as his Dad, for a very long time. MOTHER| |
| | | |struggled even more after CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER | |
| | | |left the area and sadly, she was not able to | |
| | | |offer safe and consistent care for CHILD 2. | |
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|4 years 11 months |4th March 2020|Present |At the time of writing this report, CHILD 2 has | |
| | | |lived with his carers FOSTER MUM and FOSTER DAD | |
| | | |for almost nine months. CHILD 2 is very happy and| |
| | | |well settled in his placement with FOSTER MUM and| |
| | | |FOSTER DAD. He loves to go for walks with his | |
| | | |carers, sister and the two dogs DOG1 and DOG2 . | |
| | | |CHILD 2 has also been attending a martial arts | |
| | | |group on a weekly basis. CHILD 2 will say that he| |
| | | |“loves FOSTER MUM and FOSTER DAD” and is seen to | |
| | | |give and receive lots of big hugs. CHILD 2 has | |
| | | |his own bedroom which is decorated with a | |
| | | |superhero theme and enjoys to be tucked up at | |
| | | |night with a story read to him. FOSTER MUM and | |
| | | |FOSTER DAD are in tune with CHILD 2’s needs; they| |
| | | |share a loving and affectionate relationship | |
| | | |which CHILD 2 really benefits from. | |
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9. Descriptive and evaluative report on child (k)
In compiling this report, where evidence has been drawn from the reports of other professionals, give details below
|Name of report |Author of report |Professional position |Date of report |
|Forensic Drug and Alcohol Testing of |XX – Alphabiolabs |Reporting Scientist |19th March 2020 |
|CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER | | |23rd March 2020 |
| |XX - Alphabiolabs | |16th June 2020 |
|Forensic Drug and Alcohol Testing of |XX - Alphabiolabs |Reporting Scientist |27th March 2020 |
|MOTHER | | |1st April 2020 |
| | | |14th July 2020 |
| | | |27th October 2020 |
|Psychological Assessment of MOTHER |Dr XX |Consultant Clinical Psychologist |21st May 2020 |
|and CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER | | | |
|Parenting Assessment of CHILD 2 |SOCIAL WORKER 1 |Social Worker |17th July 2020 |
|STEP-FATHER | | | |
|Sibling Assessment of CHILD 2 and |SOCIAL WORKER 1 |Social Worker |17th July 2020 |
|SISTER | | | |
|Parenting Assessment of MOTHER |SOCIAL WORKER 1 |Social Worker |24th November 2020 |
|Coram BAAF CR-C Report of Carers |FOSTER MUM and FOSTER DAD |Foster Carers |26th November 2020 |
Description of the child (l)
|9.1. Physical description |
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|CHILD 2 is a XX haired, XX eyed boy who has a XX complexion. He loves to have his hair styled and spiked up with gel and is partial to a spritz of |
|aftershave on a morning! CHILD 2 is of a petite build – his birth mother is also very petite. CHILD 2’s most prominent features are his big, cheeky grin |
|and his blue eyes. CHILD 2 has some decay to his front baby teeth as a result of being provided with a poor diet and his teeth not being regularly cleaned|
|whilst living in the care of his birth mother. CHILD 2 is very excited for his baby teeth to fall out so he can see his “sparkly new teeth”. |
|9.2 Child’s personality |
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|CHILD 2 is a lively, enthusiastic and happy little boy who is eager to please. He loves to make friends with and be around other people. CHILD 2 is |
|instantly warm to others; he likes to introduce himself and find out about the person speaking to him. Sometimes, this can cause his carers to become a |
|little worried as CHILD 2’s stranger danger awareness is limited; this is, however, improving with time and gentle reminders. |
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|CHILD 2 is a very active child and he loves to be on the go. He is enthusiastic about exploring and playing and equally curious about his surroundings. In|
|addition, CHILD 2 is very inquisitive. He loves to ask questions and try to understand things around him; he enjoys to chatter away. |
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|CHILD 2 is a very warm and engaging little boy; he always has a huge smile on his face and is generally seen laughing or grinning. He is easily pleased |
|and finds even the littlest of things amusing. He loves to tell and hear jokes. Moreover, CHILD 2 loves cuddles. He is reported to give the best cuddles, |
|which he refers to as ‘snuggles’ and has no trouble showing affection. Linked to this is CHILD 2’s ability to pick up on other people’s emotions. CHILD 2 |
|is a sensitive little boy and appears to absorb the feelings of others around him. He is naturally empathic, but can sometimes become worried about other |
|people’s troubles. It is important for CHILD 2 to reassure others and to be reassured by others, so as not to continue worrying about something. As a |
|result, CHILD 2 has a lot of friends and is loved by everyone who knows him. |
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|9.3 Interests, likes and dislikes |
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|CHILD 2 likes to be actively doing something. His favourite toy is his train and track set, which he would busy himself with for hours on end if allowed! |
|He likes any toy that is related to transport; cars, trains, lorries and the like. His dream is to become a fire man when he is older; CHILD 2 talks about|
|wanting to save people and put out big fires. CHILD 2’s ambition doesn’t stop there; he also talks of being a baker. This stems from CHILD 2’s love of |
|baking with his current carers – he particularly enjoys the mixing of ingredients (and sneaking a taste too). CHILD 2 is ambitious – he wants to pursue |
|both of his chosen job roles at the same time and talks of his plans to ‘have a little nap’ in between being a fireman and a baker. |
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|CHILD 2 also loves to play board games. He prefers for someone to guide him through new games but is quick to pick up the rules and aim of the game in |
|hand. His favourite board games at the moment are ‘Guess Who’ and a game called ‘Avalanche’. He is also interested in things that allow him to create; he |
|likes to use playdoh, paint and craft. Another favourite past-time is role play with his little sister. CHILD 2 loves to listen to SISTER’s ideas about |
|games they can play and will use his imagination well to play games like ‘mummies and daddies’ and ‘teachers’ with his sister. |
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|When thinking about what CHILD 2 doesn’t like, he would say that he doesn’t like very loud noises. CHILD 2 struggles during music lessons when there are |
|lots of loud noises being made at once. On bonfire night, CHILD 2 was initially wary of the fireworks and watched them from the window with his ears |
|covered. However, after seeking reassurance and becoming familiar with them, he began watching them from the garden without covering his ears. |
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|CHILD 2 much prefers being outdoors. He enjoys going on walks with his current carers and their dogs, whatever the weather. When it is rainy and muddy |
|outside, CHILD 2 loves to put on his wellingtons and jump in puddles and wade through mud. When sunny, CHILD 2 is keen to don his sunglasses and a hat and|
|explore. CHILD 2 likes to collect things that interest him, such a colourful flowers or interesting looking leaves and stones. Much like any child of his |
|age, CHILD 2 also enjoys visiting local playgrounds and is particularly fond of the slides. |
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|In addition, CHILD 2 joined a martial arts group. Ordinarily, CHILD 2 would go to this class on a face to face basis but lessons have recently had to be |
|delivered virtually. CHILD 2 thrives when he is at martial arts – he says that his favourite thing is the “big high kicks”. Due to his excitement, CHILD 2|
|can sometimes struggle to listen to the instructors, but the overall feedback is that CHILD 2 is “an enthusiastic little boy who is a pleasure to teach |
|and always has a smile on his face”. He has recently been upgraded to a red belt which he is extremely proud of. |
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|Considering CHILD 2’s ‘down time’, CHILD 2 likes to be told a story and prefers his current carers to choose a book to read with him. If he is feeling |
|particularly tired he will snuggle up on the sofa with a blanket and watch a film. CHILD 2 doesn’t really have a favourite television programme or film |
|but appears to prefer things that are animated. |
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|9.4 Self-care skills |
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|CHILD 2’s self-care skills are very much in line with his age and stage of development. He has benefited from a consistent routine whilst in his current |
|placement and appears to thrive on the structure it provides. On a morning, CHILD 2 is always sat up in bed waiting to get up with a smile on his face. |
|For breakfast, CHILD 2 is given a choice between two things and has no trouble choosing. He will say that his favourites are cheerios or crumpets. |
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|After breakfast, CHILD 2 takes himself upstairs, gets dressed into the clothes that the carers have picked out for him and then wash himself. He will |
|start brushing his teeth himself, then will call on one of his foster carers to come and finish them off. This is a really important part of his routine; |
|CHILD 2 is keen to look after his teeth and is excited about his new teeth coming through once his baby teeth have fallen out. |
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|CHILD 2 is very proud of his appearance and he loves to have his hair styled. Once washed, he will take his hair gel to one of his carers and seek some |
|support in spiking his hair up. CHILD 2 then always asks for a little spritz of aftershave as he loves to smell “delicious”. Once this little routine is |
|complete, CHILD 2 is ready for the day ahead. |
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|At meal times, CHILD 2 is very happy. He loves to try new things, eats very fast yet is very tidy! The foster carers haven’t found anything that he hasn’t|
|enjoyed. He is good at using a knife and fork and very rarely requires any support. Despite being a chatty little boy, CHILD 2 isn’t very talkative during|
|meal times and remains focussed on eating his food. If CHILD 2 has a desert/sweet treat, he cannot be distracted and almost goes into a trance through |
|sheer enjoyment. |
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|CHILD 2 is always looking somewhere else when doing something! When putting on his shoes, he will look up. When running, CHILD 2 will look to his side or |
|backwards. The carers believe that it is almost as if CHILD 2 is worried about missing something if he doesn’t keep an eye on everything going on around |
|him. CHILD 2 loves to be involved in activities that are going on around him. |
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|CHILD 2 is almost wholly independent with toileting. He is dry through the day and the night and is able to recognise when he needs to go to the toilet. |
|The carers report that there are very few occasions where he has accidents and when this has occurred, it has been because he has been so engrossed in his|
|play that he has left it until the last minute. CHILD 2 does struggle to clean himself after going to the toilet; this is something that the carers are |
|helping him to learn and develop. He always washes his hands with warm water and soap after visiting the bathroom and will remind others to do the same! |
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|CHILD 2 really enjoys bath time. The carers report that he isn’t as confident with the shower but is getting more comfortable if to use it. CHILD 2 is |
|relatively independent in the bath; the carers help to wash and rinse his hair just to make sure there are no missed areas. Following his bath, CHILD 2 |
|will get himself dried and into his pyjamas of choice. CHILD 2 will then let his foster carers know that he is ready for bed. He has no difficulties in |
|going to bed and settling down to sleep – he enjoys being tucked in and having a story read to him. CHILD 2 sleeps through the night and wakes naturally |
|on a morning. |
|9.5 Emotional, behavioural and social development |
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|Generally, CHILD 2 is a bright, cheerful and cheeky little boy who has a very infectious smile and giggle. He loves to make other people smile and is |
|eager to bring out the happiness in everyone around him. He loves to be the centre of attention, much like most children of his age! |
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|This being said, CHILD 2 likes to introduce himself to people and struggles to remember all he has learnt about the awareness of strangers. A combination |
|of his curiosity and wish to please, CHILD 2 will walk up to a stranger and ask their name whilst giving his own. CHILD 2 will have a full conversation |
|with an unknown person if they engage with him. The foster carers continue to work with CHILD 2 to increase his awareness of strangers. However, it is |
|thought that CHILD 2’s inhibitions when it comes to unfamiliar people is likely a long-standing learnt behaviour that has developed upon CHILD 2 being |
|cared for by various different people whilst in the care of his birth family when they were unavailable or unable to care for him. |
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|If CHILD 2 is leaving the carers, i.e. to go into school, it is very important for him to give cuddles and kisses before he leaves. It is noted that CHILD|
|2’s day is really impacted by him being upset if he forgets to do this. Whether he is with or without his foster carers, CHILD 2 has no difficulty in |
|asking for what he needs. He is confident in himself, yet often requires a lot of reassurance if he perceives something to be too difficult for him. |
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|CHILD 2 has no difficulties in making and keeping friendships. He is a well-liked boy at his current school, who is reported to play with everyone. CHILD |
|2 is very interested in playing with other children and will often watch what they are doing before approaching to join in. It appears that a lot of the |
|time, CHILD 2 seeks direction and reassurance from other children and will follow on with their activity, rather than leading his own play. This makes |
|CHILD 2 a very popular boy in his class as he will always join in with the games that other children want to play. |
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|When CHILD 2 finishes a busy day at school, he likes to listen to the radio during the car journey home. CHILD 2 will often be quite quiet during his |
|travels; this is likely to be CHILD 2’s way of winding down after a very busy day. Sometimes, CHILD 2 can be a little irritable with his sister on the way|
|home. It is thought that this is down to him being exhausted after a busy day of learning. |
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|Recently, CHILD 2 has started to share more memories of life in the care of his birth family. This can often be unprovoked, but mostly occurs when CHILD 2|
|is travelling near to his birth family’s home for school. The Social Worker is working with CHILD 2 to explore his memories, thoughts and feelings |
|providing CHILD 2 with a safe space to recall things that trouble him. |
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|At present, CHILD 2 is experiencing more days where he is quite subdued. He cannot explain what has happened to make him feel this way, but it is the view|
|of the carers and the Social Worker that he is worried about the ongoing care proceedings and experiencing some confusion about the Local Authority’s |
|intended plan for him. The quiet side of CHILD 2 usually emerges following family time with his birth mother and step-father. CHILD 2 is excitable during |
|contact – he tests boundaries much more than he does in placement. After contact, CHILD 2 can be a little bit more cheeky in placement and equally, very |
|quiet. He is always very tired after contact with his birth family. This being said, it appears that he does enjoy seeing MOTHER and CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER |
|and speaks about time spent with them following contact. |
|9.6 Identity |
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|CHILD 2 was born at Pinderfield’s Hospital, Wakefield at XX:XX. CHILD 2 weighed XXlb XXoz at birth and was born with no complications. CHILD 2 was chosen |
|as the first name as MOTHER found that she liked this name. CHILD 2’s middle names are commemorative names after CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER’s UNCLE and MOTHER’S|
|GRANDAD who have both passed away. CHILD 2 was originally going to be named XXX, however, MOTHER recalls that someone moved onto the estate named XXX and |
|she changed her mind. MOTHER registered CHILD 2’s birth at Wakefield Town Hall with her mother present. |
| |
|CHILD 2 is the first child of MOTHER and is a big brother to his half-sister, SISTER. CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER has been the father figure to CHILD 2 from a |
|very young age. As such CHILD 2 refers to CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER as his Dad; sadly, it is unknown who the father of CHILD 2 is. |
| |
|Until early August 2020, CHILD 2’s father was thought to be a male named MATERNAL GRANDFATHER who lives locally to CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER. DNA testing |
|undertaken during the course of the proceedings confirmed that MATERNAL GRANDFATHER is not the father of CHILD 2. |
| |
|The Social Worker and MOTHER have had a number of discussions about who CHILD 2’s father may be, however, it is unfortunate that MOTHER cannot be sure of |
|his identity. Until the DNA testing confirmed otherwise, MOTHER and CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER had both discussed the need for CHILD 2 to have an understanding |
|of his birth father’s identity at such a time that CHILD 2 is considered to be of an age and level of understanding to be able to process this |
|information. |
| |
|Given that the identity of CHILD 2’s birth father is unknown, it is important to consider the impact on CHILD 2’s emotional well-being, if he is to be |
|told that CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER is not his birth father. The Social Worker is mindful that this is a complex topic to discuss with a young child and one |
|that needs to be managed very sensitively. |
| |
|CHILD 2’s birth mother, CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER, was born and raised in the Wakefield area of West Yorkshire and has remained here throughout her life. |
|MOTHER considers her home town to be Wakefield. |
| |
|CHILD 2 is placed within a White British English speaking foster family who support the continuation of regular contact between CHILD 2 and his birth |
|mother and step-father. |
| |
|As the court have not yet made their final decision, CHILD 2 is unaware of the Local Authority’s intended plan of adoption to secure his permanence. CHILD|
|2 is a very young child; direct work is ongoing with CHILD 2 to explore his life story and will be collated into a physical book for CHILD 2 to keep. This|
|will eventually explore the final decision made by the court upon this being delivered, with a plan of specific direct work to take place around adoption |
|soon after. It is hoped that the direct work and life story work will encourage CHILD 2 to understand his birth family, family history and the reasons for|
|becoming a child in care. |
|9.7 Religion – Has a religion been identified for the child? Does the child actively participate in their religious faith? Has the child been formally |
|admitted to their religion through a recognised ceremony (state which)? |
| |
|CHILD 2 has not been christened or formally admitted to any religion. He is encouraged to celebrate events such as Christmas, Easter and his birthday. |
|CHILD 2’s birth mother would wish for CHILD 2 to be supported to practice any particular faith or religion of his choice as he gets older. It is important|
|to MOTHER that CHILD 2 continued to celebrate his birthday and Christmas. |
|9.8 Language – Identify child’s first language and any other languages the child uses in daily living |
| |
|CHILD 2 speaks English as his first and only language. As he has spent the majority of his life living in West Yorkshire, he has a strong West Yorkshire |
|accent. CHILD 2 can sometimes struggle to pronounce certain words, however, it is thought that this is likely due to his age and stage of development and |
|nothing of concern at present. |
|9.9 The child’s health(m) |
| |
|Initial Health Assessments were undertaken on XXX 2020 and again on XXX 2020 in respect of CHILD 2. A Pre-Adoption Medical has been arranged and is due to|
|take place on XXX 2020. |
| |
|In relation to CHILD 2, the health assessments have identified that CHILD 2 is academically behind his peers with phonetic errors detected in his speech. |
|Since completion of the health assessment, CHILD 2’s speech has improved; he is easily understood, with common mistakes made that are consistent with |
|those of a child of his age and development. |
| |
|Considering the dental health of CHILD 2, the health assessment identified that he previously required fillings as a result of dental caries. It is not |
|noted within the health assessment what has caused the dental caries, however, it is known that neither CHILD 2 nor SISTER were fond of having their teeth|
|brushed and that this wasn’t actively promoted whilst in the care of their birth mother. It is therefore reasonable to concur that prevention of further |
|caries may be achieved by ensuring that the children are encouraged to continue the regular dental routine they currently have in their foster placement. |
| |
|CHILD 2 has a healthy appetite and is willing to try lots of different things. Upon being placed in Local Authority care CHILD 2 wasn’t fond of foods that|
|are green. It is not known why, but CHILD 2 had a tendency to avoid any foods put in front of him that were green in colour. Since being encouraged to try|
|different foods, CHILD 2 will now eat anything that is put before him. He is a real lover of home cooked meals; his favourite is chicken curry. |
| |
|Considering CHILD 2’s fine and gross motor skills, there are no concerns regarding his stages of development. CHILD 2 is developing his skill in riding a |
|scooter on two wheels and is eagerly pursuing an ability to ride a bike without stabilisers. CHILD 2 is able to converse back and forth with others. He is|
|able to articulate his thoughts and feelings using words and gestures clearly, being easily understood. CHILD 2 also has excellent interpersonal skills |
|and is astute to the feelings of others, being able to recognise the faces and emotions demonstrated by another person. |
| |
| |
| |
10. Summary report from the agency medical adviser (m)
(insert or attach)
A copy of the Pre-Adoption Medical to be undertaken on XXX 2020 will be included in this section once received.
11. The child’s education
This section should include all school placements, including playgroup and nursery provision
|From |To |Name of provider and address |Type of educational provision |
|September 2017 |September 2019 |XX Nursery School |Nursery |
|September 2019 |Present |XX Primary School |Primary School |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
|Does the child have a Statement of Special Educational Needs under the Education Act 1996? |NO |
|If yes, include a summary of the main features and requirements. Attach any relevant copies of the following: the Statement, Annual Review Report, latest|
|school and educational psychologist’s report and other relevant reports or plans. |
| |
|This is not applicable |
|If no, is the child receiving additional support, e.g. School Action, School Action Plus or Behavioural Support? |
| |
|This is not applicable |
|11.1 Summary of child’s educational progress and needs(n) |
| |
|CHILD 2 is in Year 1 at XX Primary School in XX. Despite the ongoing pandemic and the changes this has meant for his educational experience, CHILD 2 has |
|settled well into his class and really likes his class teacher. CHILD 2 enjoys school, although he can become easily frustrated with himself if he |
|struggles to understand the task before him. CHILD 2 is most fond of the weekly swimming lessons that he attends with school and is reported to have |
|progressed well in this area. |
| |
|Whilst CHILD 2 prefers working with numbers rather than reading and writing, he is somewhat behind his peers and is not yet meeting age related |
|expectations. XX Primary School believe that CHILD 2 has the ability to progress throughout his school life provided that his attendance is consistent at|
|school. |
12. Summary of relevant family history and the child’s history (o)
|12.1 Summary account of relevant family history |
| |
|MOTHER was born on XXX at Pinderfields Hospital, Wakefield to parents MATERNAL GRANDMOTHER and MATERNAL GRANDFATHER. As far as MOTHER can remember, her |
|parents were not together. MOTHER is preceded by an older sister to her father. MOTHER believes that MOTHER’S SISTER is 2-3 years older than her. When |
|MOTHER was aged 2, her brother was born. |
| |
|MOTHER recalls living with her mother throughout her childhood. MOTHER cannot recall what life was like for her in her earlier years; she recalls that her|
|Dad, MATERNAL GRANDFATHER “denied her” for the first four years of her life and subsequently had no contact with him. |
| |
|Like CHILD 2, MOTHER recalls attending XX Nursery when she was younger. She fondly remembers her keyworkers being called KW1 and KW2. MOTHER then went on |
|to attend 123 Primary School, which is now known as XX Primary School. CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER’s favourite memories of primary school include the swimming |
|lessons she attended; MOTHER shared that she loved swimming. |
| |
|In 2000, CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER’s sister was born. MOTHER remembers feeling excited about her new baby sister and describes having a close relationship with|
|her from birth. With regard to CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER’s social presentation at this time, MOTHER recalls having a good group of friends with which she |
|maintained relationships with throughout her school and early adult life. |
| |
|On 1st June 2002, MOTHER recalls experiencing her first significant loss. Her UNCLE, brother of her mother, had suffered an epileptic fit whilst in the |
|bath and sadly passed away. MOTHER recalls being taken to her Nana’s house and seeing her UNCLE being brought downstairs on a stretcher. MOTHER remembers |
|there being a lot of sadness in the family; her UNCLE sadly turned to alcohol as a means of coping. Additionally, MOTHER remembers her Mum spending a lot |
|of time with her Nana to support her through her grief. MOTHER shared that every year the family visit UNCLE’s grave and spend time with CHILD 2 BIRTH |
|MOTHER’s Nana. This has likely been a very difficult experience for MOTHER who would have been aged 9 years at the time of this loss. |
| |
|Between the ages of 9 and 11, MOTHER doesn’t recall any further difficult times for her family. MOTHER remembers her MOTHER’S AUNT getting married and her|
|being given the pivotal role of chief bridesmaid – MOTHER wore a burgundy and white dress which she still has to this day. |
| |
|In 2004, CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER’s sister was born. The family lived at MATERNAL GRANDMOTHER ADDRESS at this time. The birth of MATERNAL AUNT 2 coincided |
|with MOTHER starting at XX High School in Wakefield. MOTHER transitioned to high school with the group of friends she had made at XX Primary school and |
|recalls thoroughly enjoying Year 7 and Year 8. During her time in Year 8, CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER’s sister MATERNAL AUNT 1 was knocked over by a bus and |
|broke her leg in four places. MOTHER remembers MATERNAL AUNT 1 being in hospital for approximately a month, and when discharged, having a full leg and |
|partial body cast to assist the healing of the broken bones. MOTHER recalls this triggering her spending a lot of time off school in order to help her Mum|
|out at home. MOTHER believes that the school were trying to work with her Mum to get her back into school, but MOTHER doesn’t believe that this had much |
|effect as the majority of her memories of this time are at home. Once casts were removed, MOTHER returned to school and remembers really enjoying her time|
|back at school. This was short-lived, as a few months after MOTHER’S cast was removed MATERNAL AUNT 1 developed pneumonia and was hospitalised. Whilst in |
|hospital, MATERNAL AUNT 1 suffered a severe reaction to penicillin resulting in her being in hospital for quite some time. MOTHER remembers spending a |
|significant amount of time off school to help out at home, resulting in her missing out on a substantial amount of education and socialisation with her |
|peers. |
| |
|In October 2004, CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER’s sister MATERNAL AUNT 3 was born. MOTHER returned to school for Year 9. She remembers doing quite a lot of year 9 |
|and advises that she really enjoyed Geography. When asked about her academic attainment at this time, MOTHER reflects that as she missed a significant |
|amount of education she was very behind in almost all of her subjects, especially Maths. MOTHER was eager to make her grades as she wanted to be a support|
|worker upon leaving school. |
| |
|Thinking about Year 10 and 11, MOTHER remembers truanting a lot and heading to XX with her friends instead of being at school. MOTHER describes this as |
|joining in with the crowd – she would go up there with peers and stay there until home time. This is around the time MOTHER remembers a truancy officer |
|becoming involved. MOTHER remembers the officer collecting her from home and taking her to school; MOTHER admitted that she would just leave as she “was a|
|teenager who thought she knew better”. MOTHER was asked about any relationships during this time. MOTHER said that she didn’t have a boyfriend throughout |
|this period of time and was focussed on enjoying herself with her friends. The author discussed CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER’s home life during this age, |
|acknowledging that the home was likely to be very busy. MOTHER reports that her home life was fine, although she did clash with her Mum at times. The |
|relationship between MOTHER and her Dad is reported to have been positive; she remembers spending time with him and visiting him at his flat nearby. |
| |
|When MOTHER was approximately 15 years of age, she received a phone call from her Nana who was shouting “he’s trying to kill me”. MOTHER shared that she |
|and her Nana often played pranks on one another. Due to this, MOTHER thought her Nana was playing a prank on her and responded to say “no I’m not |
|playing!” and put the phone down on Nana. MOTHER was then contacted by someone who had also received a phone call from Nana and realised something was not|
|right. MOTHER recalls running to her Nana’s house and the police and an ambulance being present. MOTHER discovered that her Nana had been stabbed eleven |
|times by her partner, who had subsequently taken his own life. Thankfully, Nana survived this attack. MOTHER spoke of this incident with great upset; she |
|blames herself for not believing her Nana when she called for help. MOTHER recalls that this is when her anxiety is likely to have started, but did not |
|recognise it as anxiety in the way that she does now. MOTHER remembers being suspicious of people, recalling that Nana’s Partner was “so nice” and that |
|the attack on her Nana was “completely out of the blue”. It is the view of the author that the trauma MOTHER experienced from this attack on her Nana has |
|had a lasting impact on her emotionally. |
| |
|Following this attack, CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER’s Nana went away with MATERNAL GREAT AUNT and a family friend, on a holiday abroad. Whilst there, Nana met a |
|MAN, who MOTHER reports is “the love of her life”. Nana and MAN soon made the decision to set up life in XX,XX in approximately 2010. MOTHER remembers |
|feeling devastated that her Nana would no longer be living nearby, understanding that she would not see her as much as she had previously enjoyed. Despite|
|this, MOTHER remembers being happy that her Nana was getting away from the area to start afresh. MOTHER speaks to her Nana via telephone call very |
|regularly, but sees her in person very infrequently due to the distance. |
| |
|CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER’s sister, MATERNAL AUNT 4, was born in 2011. Again, MOTHER recalls being excited about the birth of a new sibling. A further positive|
|relationship MOTHER recalls is that with her GREAT UNCLE 1 and cousins MOTHER’S COUSIN 1, MOTHER’S COUSIN 2 and MOTHER’S COUSIN 3 whom she saw every other|
|weekend. When MOTHER was aged between 16 and 17, GREAT UNCLE 1’s house caught fire. MOTHER said that she took on the caring responsibilities for MOTHER’S |
|COUSIN 2 and MOTHER’S COUSIN 3 to prevent them from going into care. Local Authority records indicate that GREAT UNCLE 1 and the children moved in with |
|MATERNAL GRANDMOTHER and her family whilst temporary accommodation was identified. MOTHER recalls moving in with GREAT UNCLE 1 and the children to help |
|out and believes that she lived there for approximately 2 years on and off supporting GREAT UNCLE 1 with care of the children. During this time, MOTHER |
|had entered into a relationship with a male named OO. MOTHER doesn’t recall there being any issues in this relationship and remembers enjoying spending |
|time with him. |
| |
|When MOTHER was approximately 17-18 years of age, she moved back in with her Mum and began attending college to study Health and Social Care. MOTHER |
|remembers finding this course quite boring and elements of it were not challenging enough for her. This combined contributed to MOTHER dropping out of |
|college to spend more time with friends and family. Around this time, MOTHER ended the relationship with OO as she felt that they were two very different |
|people. |
| |
|MOTHER recalls her 18th birthday being an enjoyable experience – her AUNT1 threw her a party at a local club in Wakefield. MOTHER recalls always having a |
|really strong relationship with her Aunt. Throughout age 19 and 20, MOTHER remembers just ‘enjoying the single life’. She had secured a job at the local |
|Co-Op which she really enjoyed and began living at AUNT1’s. MOTHER recalls that there wasn’t a reason that she moved in, she had been staying there more |
|and more and eventually just moved in. MOTHER does recall her youngest sister MATERNAL AUNT 5 being born and that space in her mother’s home was becoming |
|more and more limited. |
| |
| |
| |
| |
|12.2 Summary account of child’s history from their birth to present time (including prenatal experience) and how this led to them becoming looked after |
| |
|MOTHER has experienced trauma and neglect throughout her childhood and adolescence. MOTHER was not offered stability, consistency, love and care needed |
|when growing up which likely resulted in her accepting her experiences as the norm. |
| |
|When MOTHER was aged 22, she conceived CHILD 2. MOTHER believed until recently that CHILD 2’s father was a male named NAME, however, DNA testing completed|
|during these proceedings confirmed that this was not the case. MOTHER cannot recall who the father of CHILD 2 may be as she had had a number of casual |
|relationships during this time. CHILD 2 was born on the CHILD 2 D.O.B. MOTHER remembers being so excited about being a Mum – she was supported through |
|CHILD 2’s birth by her Mum and returned to her Mum’s address to raise him. CHILD 2 was born with no complications and was a healthy weight. |
| |
|MOTHER remembers life being “great” and advises that she did not suffer with any post-natal depression following CHILD 2’s birth. Shortly after CHILD 2’s |
|birth, MOTHER secured her current tenancy at ADDRESS. The house was decorated prior to MOTHER and CHILD 2 moving in; MOTHER remembers really disliking the|
|area at the time of moving in, but enjoyed having her own space with CHILD 2. |
| |
|When CHILD 2 was around 6 months old, MOTHER met CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER, SISTER’s birth father. They met in the local area through mutual friends and are |
|described to have “got along” instantly. Soon after, the couple planned to have a baby together and CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER moved in with MOTHER and CHILD 2. |
|CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER’s relationship with CHILD 2 developed quickly; he explains that he loved him straight away and loved spending time with him. |
| |
|Around a year later, MOTHER reports miscarrying a baby she and CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER had conceived. MOTHER told the author of the traumatic loss she |
|experienced in this regard. MOTHER recalls this time with a great deal of upset. She advised that the series of events from finding out she had lost the |
|baby led to “depressing kicking in massively”. MOTHER concedes that she began to blame herself and felt that CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER was going to leave her. |
|MOTHER also admits craving the baby that she lost. She and CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER decided to try again for a baby and soon conceived SISTER. |
| |
|In respect of CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER’s pregnancy with SISTER, MOTHER remembers that she and CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER were over the moon. CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER and |
|MOTHER collectively bought everything that SISTER would need and their relationship was very good. MOTHER did not drink throughout her pregnancy, however,|
|she did struggle with eating. When MOTHER was around six months pregnant, CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER’s sister MATERNAL AUNT 1moved in. MOTHER said that MATERNAL|
|AUNT 1was spending more and more time with them and felt that she didn’t have enough space living at home with her mother. As such, MOTHER invited |
|MATERNAL AUNT 1to move in with them. |
| |
|Just after SISTER was born, MOTHER found out that CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER had been having a secret relationship with MATERNAL AUNT 1. MOTHER remembers that |
|she was shocked and deeply upset; CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER one day “just blurted it out”. MOTHER pinpoints this event as being the trigger for the onset of her|
|anxiety and depression as she knows it now. She advises that she felt mistrustful of those around her as so many people had been keeping the secret. |
|Despite this, MOTHER shared that she felt that she “had to keep herself together”. She said that she disguised her emotional state at the time by “passing|
|it off as baby blues” but in reality, the deceit from others and the hurt she felt at being cheated on caused her mental health decline. |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
MOTHER shared that she eventually forgave CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER and MATERNAL AUNT 1for “the sake of the children” and resumed her relationship with CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER in around June 2017. MOTHER describes the relationship as being good again and refutes any suggestion that she was drinking alcohol at this time. MOTHER does not recall CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER taking or being involved in drug misuse. This information is in conflict to the admissions made by CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER during his own assessment of July 2020, whereby he shared that “the relationship between him and MOTHER was really difficult and he also began drinking alcohol heavily, whilst also snorting drugs.” It is likely that CHILD 2 experienced a lot of instability during this time; it may also be that CHILD 2’s parents were not as emotionally available to CHILD 2 and his sister as they needed to be.
It is also known that CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER’s mental health had significantly declined in 2017, leading to him self-harming with a kitchen knife. The children were not present upon this incident occurring, but it is likely that CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER’s emotional state prior to and following this incident was observed by the children.
When considering the support available to her, MOTHER advised that SISTER and CHILD 2 would both spend time with their paternal grandmother STEP-FATHER’S MOTHER. This is a routine which had been devised during CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER’s separation from CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER to ensure the maintenance of the children’s relationship with CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER. In September 2017, CHILD 2 started attending XX Nursery for five days a week in the afternoon. CHILD 2 is reported to have been upset at first and struggled with the separation from MOTHER and CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER, but he soon got used to it. MOTHER shares that whilst CHILD 2 was at nursery, ordinarily CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER would be working. MOTHER would get on with the housework and tend to SISTER, with an additional routine in place. On a Tuesday afternoon, MOTHER shared that she would go for a meal with her Mum, AUNT and SISTER and then go shopping which she found enjoyable.
Somewhere around early 2018, MOTHER discovered that CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER had been sending messages to another girl, which had escalated into a sexual relationship. MOTHER ended the relationship and the couple did not recommence a relationship following this. Despite this, both MOTHER and CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER report that they remained amicable and celebrated significant events for the children together as a family. It is known that in June 2018, MOTHER attempted to take her own life whilst the children were being cared for by family. Although CHILD 2 and his sister were not present for this, it is likely that CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER’s emotional state leading up to this event would have been compromised, directly impacting the care provided to CHILD 2 and his sister.
It is known that throughout 2019, CHILD 2’s experiences of home life were not very good. The family home was described as being filthy, cluttered and unhygienic. CHILD 2 and his sister had been observed eating cereal from the family home floor during a visit. Concerns were raised that MOTHER was drinking alcohol heavily and possibly using drugs, as well as further concerns regarding large numbers of people visiting the family home. CHILD 2 and his sister were not attending school and nursery consistently, which made professionals very worried. On occasion when MOTHER did take the children to school and nursery, she is reported to have been under the influence of alcohol which meant that CHILD 2 and SISTER needed to be cared for by alternative family members at very short notice.
In September 2019, CHILD 2 and his sister witnessed a very frightening incident where a man entered the family home with a baseball bat trying to find CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER. SISTER’s aunt was present and was assaulted by the male, which the children have since disclosed that they witnessed. As a result, the children talk of their family home being scary with there being “lots of baddies” on the estate.
CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER fled the area following this incident. The children did not have any contact with CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER during this time and were reported to miss him a great deal. It is known that MOTHER struggled with care of the children alone and as such, turned to friends and family, who had issues with alcohol and drugs, to care for the children. It is likely that CHILD 2 and his sister experienced a lot of instability during this time.
In December 2019 concerns were raised that SISTER’s nursery attendance was 81% and that she continually attended school looking grubby and unkempt and smelling of stale urine. CHILD 2 was reported to frequently attend school looking dirty and unkempt, in clothes that were reported to be ill-fitting.
These concerns escalated and continued until XXX 2020, when the children were removed from the care of CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER. It is reported that MOTHER attended SISTER’s nursery to collect her and was under the influence of alcohol. Her mental health was observed to be extremely low, with a comment made by MOTHER alluding to intending to take her life and taking the children with her.
Evidently, CHILD 2, in his short life, has experienced a great deal of harm. In spite of this, all assessments reflect that MOTHER and CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER love CHILD 2 and SISTER dearly and are remorseful of the life experiences the children have been offered. Sadly, love is not enough to keep CHILD 2 and SISTER safe. CHILD 2 and SISTER require better than ‘good enough care’ to compensate for the trauma and neglect that they have experienced whilst in the care of their birth family.
13. Social worker’s analysis of the child’s needs and the implications for their future placement (p)
CHILD 2 needs an adult in his life who will ensure that all of his care needs are met to a good standard, in a safe and nurturing environment. It is important that CHILD 2 is provided with an environment which supports him in achieving all of his developmental milestones and promotes him to achieve his full potential. CHILD 2 is an active little boy who particularly enjoys the outdoors – CHILD 2 needs someone to promote and support this, someone whom can introduce CHILD 2 to wider outdoor experiences.
CHILD 2 needs care givers who are committed to maintaining his health and development. The care givers need to adopt a style of parenting which is both encouraging and supportive, to assist CHILD 2 in achieving his developmental milestones. CHILD 2 has not experienced consistent parenting and has not had the benefit of stimulation and play; CHILD 2 needs the adults in his life to commit to promoting and developing this.
My aim is to secure a stable and safe growing up home for CHILD 2 where he can form secure bonds and attachments with his primary care giver(s), who are able to afford him with loving and warm secure relationships. CHILD 2 needs to belong within a family who will support him for the whole of his childhood, through to adulthood and beyond.
CHILD 2 needs patience and consistency from his care giver(s); he has been witness to frightening experiences when in the care of family, the ordeal of which could manifest itself in challenging, trauma related behaviours during his childhood and adolescence. CHILD 2’s carer giver(s) need to be mindful of this and adopt an approach which shows CHILD 2 that he is safe, cared for and understood. CHILD 2 will require primary caregivers who are able to support CHILD 2 in understanding his early life experiences and an understanding of the difficulties and circumstances his parents faced in an age-appropriate way.
CHILD 2 will need his adoptive parent/parents to have confidence in undertaking life story work with him, sharing his difficult childhood experiences sensitively at the appropriate time. This is especially important for CHILD 2; to be encouraged to understand the reasons adoption was pursued for him and the risks that CHILD 2 was exposed to in the care of his birth parents.
Additionally, CHILD 2 will need his adoptive parents to support him in understanding his identity, further engaging with letter box contact with his birth family to continue to inform his life story.
It is paramount that CHILD 2’s needs are always prioritised and that he is provided with a nurturing and supportive environment where all of his needs are met, ensuring a positive transference of his attachment from his current foster carers to his future caregivers. CHILD 2 will require a good standard of care in a warm and supportive environment throughout the remainder of his childhood, providing him with the opportunity of reaching his full potential to achieve positive outcomes in adulthood.
14. Child’s wishes and feelings about adoption and contact (q)
|Give date when views were last ascertained |
| |
|I have seen CHILD 2 on a weekly basis since XXX 2020 to facilitate contact between him and his parents, whilst also completing statutory visits. CHILD 2 |
|was last seen and spoken to about the Local Authority’s care planning on XXX 2020. |
|14.1 Social worker’s analysis of the wishes and feelings of the child(r) |
| |
|Unfortunately, CHILD 2 is not of an age whereby he can understand the Local Authority’s concerns fully, or comprehend the Local Authority’s intended care |
|plan of adoption. |
| |
|Direct work has been completed with CHILD 2 and SISTER to explore their thoughts, memories and feelings to ascertain a better understanding of what the |
|children are aware of. CHILD 2’s understanding of why he lives in foster care amounts to “mummy being poorly”. Through further discussion, CHILD 2 is able|
|to recall memories of his home life which caused him to be “upset”, “frightened” and “angry”. These largely relate to his memories of other’s behaviour on|
|the estate, people whom he refers to as “the baddies”. |
| |
|CHILD 2 has been able to identify the names and roles of people within his family unit, also referring to members of his extended family unit such as his |
|Aunts and Uncles. When asked who CHILD 2 would like to live with, CHILD 2 is quick to respond “SISTER” and will place drawings of them in a house |
|together. CHILD 2 will then go on to say that he wants “FOSTER MUM and FOSTER DAD” (current carers) to live with him, along with their dogs. |
|Interestingly, CHILD 2 always creates separate houses for MOTHER and CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER. Upon doing this the first time, CHILD 2 explained that “Mummy |
|lives in the bad house and I don’t want to live there” and that “Daddy lives in this house”. Upon exploring this further, CHILD 2 explained that he would |
|like to live with Mummy in a bigger house somewhere far away from where they lived before. It has been explained to CHILD 2 that this isn’t possible, as |
|Mummy still lives in the house and, using the words provided by CHILD 2, I am still worried about ‘Mummy being poorly’. |
| |
|CHILD 2 understands and talks excitedly about the fact that he will be staying with FOSTER MUM and FOSTER DAD over the Christmas period and is excited for|
|Santa to visit him there. CHILD 2 and I have sensitively explored his future and what may happen. Direct work has been completed with CHILD 2 regarding |
|this, where different family set ups have been discussed. The carers have a copy of the Dennis the Duckling book that they are going to use with CHILD 2 |
|over the course of the next month, which aims to facilitate discussion with children who are removed from the care of their parents. |
|14.2 Any further relevant information |
| |
|FOSTER MUM and FOSTER DAD, current carers, share that CHILD 2 does not routinely talk about his parents until it is approaching time for virtual contact. |
|They share that he is excited about seeing both his Mum and his Dad, but returns from family time quite subdued and tired. Memories are usually shared |
|about home life during the school run, as the children still attend the same settings they did when in the care of birth family. CHILD 2 has talked about |
|happy memories including having a chocolate cake at a pub in the local area, and has also discussed things that have happened that have frightened or |
|upset him. CHILD 2 has talked about how Mummy smacked him, how Daddy broke the bannister in the house, how bad people were always shouting and fighting |
|outside and how he used to wet the bed quite often. |
15. The child’s birth mother (s)
|Surname |SURNAME |
|First names |CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER |
|Are these the names used at the time of the child’s |YES |
|birth? If no, what were they? | |
|Other names used (including familiar names) |MOTHER |
|Date and place of birth |MOTHER D.O.B. |
| |Pinderfields Hospital, Wakefield |
|Nationality and immigration status |British National |
|Racial origin, cultural and linguistic background |MOTHER is White British. |
| |MOTHER does not follow or practice any particular culture and is not of any community or group. |
| |MOTHER speaks English as her first and only language. She is from Wakefield and has a strong, West|
| |Yorkshire accent. |
|Current address (Give date when last confirmed) | |
| |MOTHER ADDRESS. |
|Local authority area |Wakefield |
|A recent good quality photograph should be attached or inserted here or reasons given where not available. |
|PHOTO ATTACHED |
|Date of photograph: |March 2020 |
|15.1 Give a brief description of the birth mother |
| |
|MOTHER is a petite lady who is approximately 5ft 2in in height. She has naturally red hair which she dyes dark and ordinarily wears down. MOTHER has blue |
|eyes and she likes to wear some eye makeup to define these. MOTHER likes to wear more casual clothes like jeans and a t-shirt, but dresses up at times. |
|15.2 Briefly describe the personality and interests of the birth mother |
| |
|MOTHER is a warm person who is chatty once she has become familiar with someone. She can be quite anxious in new situations, but doesn’t take long to |
|relax. MOTHER much prefers to be in the company of others. She has a naturally caring personality and spends much of her time with her family members, |
|particularly her younger siblings. MOTHER struggles to name one particular thing that she enjoys doing outside of spending time with her family; she would |
|firmly state that her interests revolve around her children and that she enjoys doing things with them. |
|15.3 Brief details of the birth mother’s education history |
| |
|Much like CHILD 2, MOTHER attended XX Nursery school. MOTHER remembers her favourite staff members being called staff1 and staff2. |
|MOTHER then went on to attend xx Primary School, which is now XX Primary School. CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER’s favourite memories of primary school include the |
|swimming lessons she attended; MOTHER shared that she loved swimming. |
|MOTHER went on to attend XX High School in Wakefield. She had good attendance through Year 7 and most of Year 8 and recalls really enjoying high school, |
|having moved up with the group of friends she had made in primary school. MOTHER missed a lot of the end of Year 8 due to a family crisis meaning she was |
|relied upon by her mother for childcare provision for her younger siblings. MOTHER returned to XX High School in Year 9 and recalls enjoying Geography. |
|Sadly, MOTHER had missed a significant amount of education and had fallen way behind her peers, especially in maths. This impacted CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER’s |
|motivation at school; MOTHER truanted during the majority of Year 10 and Year 11. MOTHER recalls a truancy officer becoming involved and taking her to |
|school; MOTHER would wait until the officer was out of sight and leave the school premises, heading for XX NURSERY with her friends. MOTHER left school in |
|Year 11 with very few GCSEs. MOTHER doesn’t recall having a favourite subject, but remembers that her ambition was to work with people in a health and |
|social care setting. |
| |
|Aged 17, MOTHER began attending xx College to study Health and Social Care. MOTHER found the course quite boring as elements of it were not challenging |
|enough for her. MOTHER subsequently dropped out of college without completing the course in order to spend more time with family and friends. |
|15.4 Current occupation or profession |
| |
|MOTHER is not currently employed but has ambitions to work again in the future. She would love to become a support worker for adults with learning |
|disabilities again in the near future. |
|15.5 Brief details of her employment history |
| |
|MOTHER has had three jobs in her adult life and explains that she thoroughly enjoyed having a job and the income that this provided. MOTHER worked at the |
|Co-Op when she was approximately 19 as a cleaner. MOTHER enjoyed this job but left to pursue a better paid position in a local factory. |
| |
|On 10th January 2018, MOTHER started her favourite role in employment. MOTHER speaks with enjoyment in respect of her role as a support worker with adults |
|through her employment with XXX. MOTHER shares that she had to leave this position in the MATERNAL AUNT 6 of 2019 upon Children’s Services expressing |
|concern about her leaving the children with others that were considered to be inappropriate. MOTHER was really upset about having to leave this job, having|
|become used to the additional financial support it offered and having great job satisfaction. |
| |
|MOTHER plans to study British Sign Language at college in the near future. MOTHER explains that her focus at present is regaining care of her children. |
|Once she has achieved this, she wishes to pursue the college course and commence employment again. CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER’s view is that it is important that|
|she is able to comfortably provide for her children financially and that she is able to demonstrate to them that ‘it is important to work hard for the |
|things you want’. |
|15.6 Brief description of the home and neighbourhood where she lives |
| |
|MOTHER lives in a 2 bedroomed property in the xx area of Wakefield. CHILD 2 and SISTER shared a bedroom, with a single bed for each of them at either side |
|of the room. The property has a garden to the back and a small enclosed yard space to the front. There have been repeated concerns regarding the upkeep of |
|the property and the garden spaces. |
| |
|Both of the children have talked of the fighting, the excessive noise and lots of people congregating on the estate outside their house. Several |
|anti-social behaviour notices have been served upon residents and particular addresses on the estate in the last 6 months. To put this further into |
|context, housing and police officers do not park their cars on that part of the estate, rather walking from door to door instead. |
| |
|MOTHER has shared that professionals were right to be concerned about home conditions and subsequent neglect of the children. MOTHER stated that the |
|cleanliness and tidiness of her property was less than good. MOTHER again discussed how her declining mental health and alcohol misuse resulted in low to |
|no motivation to do household chores. In addition, MOTHER openly admitted that she previously had a habit of keeping items that perhaps she could have |
|thrown away. MOTHER gave examples as being clothes that are too small for the children, that she had multiple bags of kept in a cupboard with a door that |
|would no longer close. |
| |
|Unfortunately, discussions with Wakefield District Housing in late XXX 2020 highlight that MOTHER has been given a number of warnings in recent weeks about|
|the state of the garden, with a demand for immediate action to be taken. Sadly, MOTHER is facing eviction from her property as a result of the poor home |
|conditions combined with rental arrears. |
| |
|15.7 Brief summary of any relevant health factors |
| |
|MOTHER is diagnosed with depression and anxiety. She takes an antidepressant of mirtazapine once per day, and is prescribed propranolol to manage her |
|anxiety in times of need. MOTHER does not have any other health conditions. |
16. Details of birth mother’s current partner (if not the child’s birth father)
|First names |N/A – MOTHER is not in a relationship |
|Surname | |
|Other names (including familiar names) | |
|Sex | |
|Occupation or profession | |
|Status and length of relationship with birth mother (married, civil partnership, cohabiting), including relevant dates |
| |
17. Summary and brief social history of the birth mother
|Date where known |Detail any significant events from birth – details of parents or carers, place of residence, education, bereavements or loss, |
| |major illness, significant relationships, including any previous marriages or civil partnerships, to give a brief social history|
| |of the birth mother relevant to this CPR(t) |
|MOTHER D.O.B |MOTHER is born at XX Hospital, to parents MATERNAL GRANDMOTHER and MATERNAL GRANDFATHER. MATERNAL GRANDMOTHER and MATERNAL |
| |GRANDFATHER were not together at the time of her birth. |
| |MOTHER is the first child of MATERNAL GRANDMOTHER and the second child of MATERNAL GRANDFATHER, preceded by her elder sister |
| |ELDER SISTER who was aged approximately 2 at the time of her birth. |
|1993-1997 |MOTHER did not have a relationship with her Dad, NAME, who she describes to have ‘denied her’ for the first four years of her |
| |life |
|04.11.1994 |MATERNAL UNCLE 1, CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER’s maternal half-brother, is born. |
|1996-1998 |MOTHER attends XX Nursery |
|September 1998 |MOTHER began attending XX Primary School |
|21.04.2000 |MATERNAL AUNT 1, maternal half-sister, is born |
|05.09.2000 |CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER’s paternal half-sister, HALF SISSTER, is born |
|2001 |Wakefield Social Care receive referrals from MOTHER and MATERNAL UNCLE 1’s schools outlining worries about the children’s |
| |presentation and appearing hungry a lot. Support and financial assistance is offered. |
|15.01.2002 |CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER’s paternal half-brother, HALF BROTHER 1, is born. |
|01.06.2002 |CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER’s UNCLE sadly passed away. MOTHER recalls seeing her Uncle being brought downstairs on a stretcher at her |
| |Nana’s house after he had passed away. |
|22.01.2003 |CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER’s maternal half-sister, MATERNAL AUNT 2, is born. MOTHER remembers the family living at MATERNAL |
| |GRANDMOTHER ADDRESS |
|29.04.2003 |CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER’s paternal half-brother, HALF BROTHER 2 is born |
|September 2004 |MOTHER begins attending XX High School |
|22.10.2004 |MATERNAL AUNT 3, maternal half-sister, is born. |
|2005 |MATERNAL AUNT 1 is knocked over by a bus; her leg is broken in four places. MATERNAL AUNT 1 is hospitalised for a month and when|
| |discharged, has a full leg and partial body cast. MOTHER begins taking time off school to help her Mum out at home |
| |MATERNAL AUNT 1was subsequently rushed to hospital again a few months following her casts being removed after contracting |
| |pneumonia. MATERNAL AUNT 1 suffered a severe reaction to penicillin resulting in her being in hospital for some time. MOTHER |
| |again spent a significant amount of time off school to provide childcare for her younger siblings |
|2006-2007 |MOTHER returns to school for the majority of Year 9 and really enjoys Geography. Due to missing a large amount of school, MOTHER|
| |is academically behind in all of her subjects. |
|29.11.2007 |Referral received by Wakefield Children and Young People’s Services centring upon neglect of MOTHER and her siblings in the care|
| |of MATERNAL GRANDMOTHER. Concerns raised regarding the children drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, a lack of supervision, |
| |anti-social behaviour and poor school attendance. |
| |Support provided – case closed 28th January 2008 |
|2007-2009 |MOTHER begins truanting from school in Year 10 and 11. CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER’s motivation to achieve has been dampened by the |
| |amount of school she had missed and a fear of not catching up. Educational Welfare and Social Care become involved with MOTHER |
| |on 3rd September 2008. |
|21.09.2008 |CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER’s paternal half-sister MATERNAL AUNT 6 is born. |
|2008 – MOTHER aged 15 |CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER’s Nana, is attacked by her partner. MOTHER received the call from her Nana for help, but thought she was |
| |joking. MOTHER was soon alerted to her Nana being in danger and ran to her Nana’s house, to find that her Nana had been |
| |seriously injured and X had taken his own life. This traumatic event had a significant lasting effect on MOTHER emotionally. |
|2009 |MOTHER provides a substantial amount of care to her cousins COUSIN 2 and COUSIN 3 whose family home had caught fire. MOTHER |
| |recalls living with the children and their father, GREAT UNCLE 1 for approximately two years providing support. |
|Approx. 2010 |CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER’s Nana, moves away. This is a significant event for CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER, who shared a very close |
| |relationship with her Nana. |
| |MOTHER moves back in with her Mum and begins a course at X College studying Health and Social Care. MOTHER drops out after a |
| |couple of months after finding the course quite boring. |
|19.04.2010 |Referral received from MATERNAL AUNT 2’s school, outlining concerns about MATERNAL AUNT 2 being very sad, tired, unclean and |
| |hungry in school. Intensive support is provided for 8 months and the family situation improves by December 2010. |
|15.03.2011 |CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER’s maternal half-sister, MATERNAL AUNT 4, is born. |
|Approx. 2012 |MOTHER starts working at the local Co-Op as a cleaner and enjoys the income she is receiving |
|17.08.2013 |CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER’s maternal half-sister, MATERNAL AUNT 5 is born. |
| |Shortly following MATERNAL AUNT 5s birth, MOTHER moved in with her Aunt as space in her mother’s home was limited. |
|September 2014 |MOTHER discovers that she is pregnant with CHILD 2. MOTHER believes, at this time, that the father to CHILD 2 is a man named |
| |MATERNAL GRANDFATHER whom she had a casual relationship with. |
|CHILD 2 d.o.b |CHILD 2 is born at xx Hospital at XX:XX. MOTHER is accompanied by her Mum, MATERNAL GRANDMOTHER. |
|May 2015 |MOTHER secures her first tenancy at ADDRESS where she moves with CHILD 2. |
|Approx. October 2015 |MOTHER first meets CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER and soon enters into a relationship with him. MOTHER and CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER both |
| |describe getting on straight away and their relationship progressed quite quickly. CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER moved in with MOTHER and |
| |CHILD 2 around December 2015 and the couple began planning for a baby. |
|MATERNAL AUNT 6 2016 |MOTHER and CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER sadly experience a miscarriage. This sadly led to MOTHER becoming depressed as a result of her |
| |grief, and worried that CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER was going to leave her. |
|September 2016 |MOTHE Rand CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER discover that they are expecting a baby. MOTHER and CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER are reported to be over |
| |the moon and began collectively buying everything needed for a baby. |
|December 2016 |MOTHER invites her younger sister MATERNAL AUNT 1 to move in with her, CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER and CHILD 2. MATERNAL AUNT 1 had been|
| |finding it difficult at home as she wanted her own space, but her family home was over crowded. |
|SISTER D.O.B |SISTER is born at XX Hospital at XX:XX. MOTHER is accompanied by CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER. |
|Approx. April 2017 |CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER told MOTHER that he had been unfaithful and had been cheating on her with her sister, MATERNAL AUNT 1. |
| |MOTHER felt very upset, and found out that lots of people knew about it which upset her even more. |
|Approx. June 2017 |MOTHER and CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER worked out their problems and recommenced their relationship. MOTHER said that she was very happy|
| |again and the relationship was really good. |
|12.11.2017 |CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER and MOTHER had an argument when in drink, which led to CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER self-harming by cutting his arms.|
| |The police attended – the children were not present when this happened |
|08.12.2017 |CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER’s maternal half-brother, MATERNAL UNCLE 2, is born. |
|24.12.2017 |CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER has a motorbike accident and breaks his leg. CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER has to stay in hospital. |
|Early 2018 |MOTHER sadly finds out that CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER has been seeing another girl behind CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER’s back, who is one of |
| |CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER’s friends. MOTHER ends her relationship with CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER, but stays on good terms with him so that |
| |CHILD 2 and SISTER are not affected. |
|10.01.2018 |MOTHER started working as a Support Worker with vulnerable adults. CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER stepped in to support with childcare |
| |whilst MOTHERwas at work. |
|03.06.2018 |Upon experiencing very low mood, MOTHER asked that SISTER and CHILD 2 were looked after by family. MOTHER felt so low that she |
| |took a lot of tablets, which made her very poorly. MOTHER was admitted to hospital and discharged on the 4th June 2018. MOTHER |
| |felt very sad and low following her relationship with CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER ending and him entering into a new relationship with |
| |one of CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER’s friends. |
|28.06.2018 |Family and friends raise worries that MOTHER is drinking alcohol quite a lot, which makes it difficult for her to look after |
| |CHILD 2 and SISTER properly. Lots of different family members and friends of MOTHER are stepping in to care for CHILD 2 and |
| |SISTER. |
|03.09.2018 |MOTHER and CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER had been drinking alcohol together; CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER and the children had stayed at a |
| |relative’s house and MOTHER had left. MOTHER returned to collect the children after drinking a lot of alcohol, upon CHILD 2 |
| |STEP-FATHER becoming very upset and starting to damage the house where he and the children were. |
|January 2019 |MOTHER is enjoying working and the income she is able to use to provide more for the children. She is struggling a bit with |
| |childcare – CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER and STEP-FATHER’S MOTHER (CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER’s mum) are helping out a lot. |
|March 2019 – June 2019 |MOTHER changed her shift pattern and would take the children to nursery and work lates. CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER would pick the |
| |children up from nursery. |
| |It is known that MOTHER was having a lot of visitors to the property, drinking alcohol and allegedly taking illegal drugs whilst|
| |the children were present. CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER’s social circle at this time comprises of people whose lifestyle choices include|
| |drinking and partying. |
|June 2019 |MOTHER is thought to be selling illegal drugs from her house with CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER. |
|Approx. 23rd September |CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER left the area; MOTHER didn’t know where CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER had gone but discovered that he was not going to|
|2019 |be seeing the children for some time. MOTHER worried about how she was going to explain this to the children. |
|26.09.2019 |A frightening incident happened where a man entered the family home and threatened CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER, and CHILD 2 |
| |STEP-FATHER’s sister, with a baseball bat trying to find CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER. The children were present and witnessed this; |
| |MOTHER was very angry and upset that this had happened. |
|27.09.2019 |CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER was located in the X area. Because MOTHER had been leaving the children with lots of different family |
| |members, she was advised by Social Workers that she needed to stop working as she needed to be around to care for the children. |
| |MOTHER struggled with this and admits turning to alcohol. |
|September – December |MOTHER shares that her mental health is very low and she is drinking more and more alcohol to cope. MOTHER remembers being told |
|2019 |in November by Social Workers that they were very worried about the children and that she needed to not drink or take any |
| |illegal drugs whilst caring for her children. MOTHER was spending time with lots of people who drank alcohol and took illegal |
| |drugs. |
|4th December 2019 |MOTHER said that she went to pick CHILD 2 up from school after she had been drinking a lot of alcohol. The school called the |
| |police, who said that MOTHER was too drunk to care for her children and allowed for STEP FATHER’S SISTER to step in and care for|
| |them. |
|February 2020 |MOTHER believed that things were getting better for her emotionally, however, she had relied upon alcohol and found herself to |
| |be drinking more days than she wasn’t. MOTHER remembers Social Workers being very worried about her children and her ability to |
| |care for them |
|4th March 2020 |MOTHER regretfully admits turning up at SISTER’s nursery to collect her after drinking a lot of alcohol. MOTHER worried nursery |
| |staff by telling them she would be very sad if anybody were to take SISTER and CHILD 2 from her. |
| |CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER’s children, SISTER and CHILD 2, were removed from her care that day. |
|March – July 2020 |MOTHER struggled after CHILD 2 and SISTER were removed from her care, but said that it was like a lightbulb moment and she |
| |realised she needed to “get her act together”. MOTHER enjoyed seeing her children during family time and made a vow to change |
| |her ways. MOTHER stopped drinking alcohol, left her house to stay with her Auntie and began seeking support for her mental |
| |health. |
|July 2020 – present |CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER’s struggles with her mental health led to her drinking alcohol again. MOTHER has really struggled with the |
| |children not being in her care and found herself drinking alcohol regularly to cope. MOTHER has really enjoyed seeing her |
| |children during family time and describes this to be the highlight of her week. |
18. Birth father with parental responsibility (PR) for the child
|How did he acquire PR for the child?(s) | |
|Does he know of the plan to place the child for adoption? |YES/NO |
|If yes, give details of any formal or advanced consent to the placement of the child for adoption and the making of the adoption order (witnessed by a |
|CAFCASS officer) |
| |
|If no, has the agency decided that it is appropriate to counsel and advise him? Is there any ongoing contact with him directly or through another agency?|
| |
19. Birth father without parental responsibility (PR)
|Is the identity of the birth father without PR known to the agency? |NO |
|Has the paternity of the child been confirmed? |NO |
|If yes, indicate how this was confirmed |
| |
|It is not known who CHILD 2’s birth father is. The Local Authority have worked with MOTHER to try and identify a putative father, however, MOTHER has not|
|been able to provide any names. |
|Is anyone else claiming paternity of the child? If yes, give brief details |
| |
|Does the birth father know of the birth of the child and what contact has there been with the agency? |
|If he knows, set out what steps have been taken to counsel and advise him. Are these continuing? If not and the agency knows his identity, has the agency|
|decided that it is appropriate to counsel and advise him? Is there any ongoing contact with him directly or through another agency? |
| |
|Does the birth father intend to apply for parental responsibility for the |YES/NO |
|child, or for a residence or contact order? | |
|If yes, give details |
| |
20. The child’s birth father (s)
|Surname |Unknown |
|First names | |
|Are these the names used at the time of the child’s birth? If no, | |
|what were they? | |
|Other names used (including familiar names) | |
|Date and place of birth | |
|Nationality and immigration status | |
|Racial origin, cultural and linguistic background | |
|Current address (Give date when last confirmed) | |
|Local authority area | |
|A recent good quality photograph should be attached or inserted here or reasons given where not available. |
|Date of photograph: | |
|20.1 Give a brief description of the birth father |
| |
|20.2 Briefly describe the personality and interests of the birth father |
| |
|20.3 Brief description of the birth father’s education history |
| |
|20.4 Current occupation or profession |
| |
|20.5 Brief details of his employment history |
| |
|20.6 Brief summary of any relevant health factors |
| |
|20.7 Brief description of the home and neighbourhood in which he lives |
| |
21. Relationship between the birth mother and birth father
|What was the status of the birth father’s relationship with the child’s birth mother at the time of the birth of the child (married, cohabiting) and what |
|is the current status of the relationship (separated, divorced, living apart) – include dates |
| |
|Give a brief description of the past and current relationship of the birth parents with each other and their views of this |
| |
22. Details of the birth father’s current partner (if not the child’s birth mother)
|First names | |
|Surname | |
|Other names (including familiar names) | |
|Sex | |
|Occupation or profession | |
|Status and length of relationship with birth father (married, civil partnership, cohabiting), including relevant dates |
| |
23. Summary and brief social history of the birth father
|Date where |Detail any significant events from birth – details of parents or carers, place of residence, education, bereavements or loss, major illness,|
|known |significant relationships including any previous marriages or civil partnerships (t) to give a brief social history of the birth father |
| |relevant to this CPR(t) |
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24. Child’s siblings (full/half)
Complete this section for each identified sibling(u)
|Surname (can be withheld if confidential) |SURNAME |
|First names |SISTER |
|Date of birth |SISTER D.O.B |
|Place of birth |X Hospital, at XX:XX. SISTER weighed 5lb 5oz |
|Sex |Female |
|Ethnicity |White |
|Nationality |British National |
|Birth mother’s full name (surname first) |CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER |
|Birth father’s full name (surname first) |CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER |
|Current carer’s name (where appropriate) |FOSTER MUM and FOSTER DAD |
|Current carer’s address (where appropriate) | |
| |Confidential – SISTER is placed alongside CHILD 2 |
|Relationship/status of current carer to child |Foster Carer |
|A recent good quality photograph should be attached here if appropriate or reasons given where not available |
|PHOTO ATTACHED |
|Date of photograph: |August and September 2020 |
|24.1 Give a brief description of the child and their personality |
| |
|SISTER, more commonly known as SISTER has blonde hair and has blue eyes. SISTER is very proud of her appearance and loves having her hair styled; her |
|favourite is the ‘web’. SISTER has recently had her blonde hair cut into a bob after asking for this for a number of weeks; she loves her new hairstyle. |
|SISTER usually has a big smile on her face; she is a cheeky and joyful little girl. SISTER, much like CHILD 2, is a petite child. |
| |
|SISTER is a very playful little girl who is just mastering the art of joking – she will say something as a joke and follow it up with, “oh I’m just kidding|
|on you!” She has the ability to have everyone around her in fits of laughter. Much like her older brother, SISTER is very inquisitive and loves to ask |
|questions of those around her and has a brilliant memory. |
| |
|Whilst SISTER does enjoy being outside and playing, she much prefers to use her creative abilities. SISTER can spend hours drawing, colouring and crafting |
|and really enjoys doing this. Additionally, SISTER has a fantastic imagination and loves to roleplay. She is keen to make up new games with those around |
|her, and is confident in her own ideas. This can sometimes lead to SISTER being quite bossy in play, but it is noted that this is well intentioned. Having |
|said this, SISTER is also happy to play with her figures and dolls independently. |
| |
|SISTER absolutely loves interacting with others. She thrives upon praise, reacting with smiles, giggles and often cuddles. SISTER doesn’t cope as well if |
|she is asked to do something that she doesn’t want to do. SISTER has been known to throw a tantrum or become upset, however, this is easily resolved |
|through explanation and encouragement. |
| |
|Again, much like her brother CHILD 2, SISTER likes to be in a routine and can become unsettled if there are large disruptions to this. An example of this |
|is when SISTER recently had chicken pox; she needed to stay off nursery and was very emotional about the change in her routine. SISTER also likes to know |
|when her next meal is. It is thought that this is largely as a result of the lack of routine and consistency when in the care of her birth family. Once |
|SISTER is told what she is having for a meal and when she can roughly expect this, she is calmer and much more settled. |
| |
|24.2 Current circumstances and legal status of sibling |
|Set out the child’s current circumstances, whether they are currently “looked after”, and if so give details of the local authority that has responsibility|
|for this sibling and their legal status. If there is a court order in force, give details of the type of order, the name of the court and the date on which|
|the order was made. If an order has been applied for and not yet granted, give brief details. |
| |
|SISTER is subject to an Interim Care Order made on XXX 2020 at Leeds Family Court by COURT WORKER. SISTER was placed in her foster placement at the same |
|time as CHILD 2 and has not spent any time away from him since this time. |
| |
|24.3 Plan for this sibling |
|Give brief details of the current plan for this sibling and whether a sibling assessment has been completed. If the plan for this sibling is adoption, |
|indicate if this sibling is to be placed with the child subject to this CPR or any other siblings. |
| |
|The plan for SISTER is one of adoption to be placed within a growing up family with her brother CHILD 2. A sibling assessment has been completed in July |
|2020, and updated alongside completion of this report. The conclusion of this assessment determined that CHILD 2 and SISTER should be placed together. The |
|children have lived together throughout their lives and share a close sibling relationship. |
| |
|24.4 Sibling relationship |
|Describe the nature of the relationship between this sibling and the child, including the length of the relationship, where and when they have lived |
|together, the frequency of any contact and the quality of their relationship. Summarise the findings and outcome of any sibling assessment undertaken and |
|state what decisions have been made about placement and the importance of them maintaining a relationship. |
| |
|From observations of CHILD 2 and SISTER in their foster placement, it appears that they have a typical sibling relationship. CHILD 2 and SISTER share a |
|close and loving bond, especially because they are close in age. Equally, CHILD 2 and SISTER can bicker and fall out with one another much like siblings |
|their age! |
| |
|The view of birth Mum MOTHER and Dad CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER is that CHILD 2 and SISTER are inseparable, CHILD 2 dotes on SISTER and has done since she was |
|born. Upon being placed in foster care, both children quickly adapted to the change provided by foster care, particularly the consistency in care and |
|affection offered by the adults looking after them. This being said, it is known that CHILD 2 does often slip back into the ‘care-giver’ role, as is |
|thought to have been the case whilst in the care of birth family. As SISTER has adapted to an adult being the consistent care giver, she can quickly become|
|frustrated with CHILD 2 and will tell him that he’s being ‘annoying’. SISTER has very recently had chicken pox; CHILD 2 tried his hardest to cuddle and |
|care for her and was keen on applying the cream to SISTER, stroking her hair and checking that she was OK and didn’t need anything further. Whilst SISTER |
|was initially accepting of this affection and care, she was quick to remind CHILD 2 that FOSTER MUM and FOSTER DAD were looking after her and became |
|somewhat frustrated with CHILD 2’s attention towards her. |
| |
|CHILD 2 and SISTER love to play together. CHILD 2 relies on SISTER’s imagination in role-play but is happy to follow along with ideas and games suggested. |
|In terms of structured play, both children are quite competitive and neither like to lose. CHILD 2 and SISTER do tell tales on one another and there is an |
|element of sibling rivalry, however, this is expected and is considered to be typical of any sibling group. This is easily diffused by the carers; as |
|quickly as they tell tales they resume their play of choice. |
| |
|During Social Work, Child in Care visits to see CHILD 2 and SISTER, the Social Worker has observed them both to be nurturing, caring and loving towards one|
|another. The Social Worker has observed them to play together and laugh together, and in particular they both enjoy singing nursery rhymes together. SISTER|
|likes to be at the centre of CHILD 2’s attention and vice versa. Both SISTER and CHILD 2 spend a lot of time with the foster carers extended family members|
|and during this time do not exclude each other and ensure that they are both involved. SISTER always likes to know where CHILD 2 is and if for example, he |
|is in another room, she will ask where he is until he returns. |
| |
|A Sibling Assessment has been completed and it is in the assessing social workers opinion that it would be detrimental to the welfare of both children to |
|separate CHILD 2 and SISTER given how close they appear to be. |
25. Other significant relatives or relevant people (v)
|Name |CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER |
|Relationship and significance to the child (including|Step-father to CHILD 2, birth father to SISTER. |
|if they hold PR) |CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER has no PR for CHILD 2, but does have PR for SISTER. |
|View of the plan and date obtained |02.12.2020 |
| |CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER is not in agreement with the plan of adoption for CHILD 2 and SISTER. He feels |
| |upset and disappointed in himself and MOTHER in terms of their ability to prove that they are able |
| |to care for CHILD 2 and SISTER consistently. CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER has been very honest throughout the|
| |assessment process and recognises his own difficulties and the impact upon his parenting capacity. |
| |CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER would wish for more time to make changes in his lifestyle to be able to care for|
| |the children. He recognises the required changes to be to stop drinking alcohol, to stop taking |
| |drugs, to provide a stable home environment for the children and to seek support for things that |
| |have happened in his life that have caused him to struggle emotionally. |
| |When considering the care plan of adoption, CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER is very clear that if the children |
| |are to be adopted, his wish would be for CHILD 2 and SISTER to stay together. CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER’s |
| |view is that it would be “the worst thing, worse than them being adopted” if they were to be |
| |separated. |
| |CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER would wish to have ongoing contact with the children if they were to be placed |
| |within an adoptive family. CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER is realistic and accepts that the contact he has with|
| |the children may be a form of indirect contact, but his preference would be to continue seeing the |
| |children as often as any identified family would allow. |
|Name |FOSTER MUM and FOSTER DAD |
|Relationship and significance to the child (including|Foster carers (no PR) |
|if they hold PR) | |
|View of the plan and date obtained |03.12.2020 |
| |FOSTER MUM and FOSTER DAD are such good advocates for CHILD 2 and SISTER. They share that the |
| |children need: “stability, consistency in parenting, someone to love them, food in their tummies, |
| |exciting opportunities, encouragement to pursue their dreams and someone who is going to nurture the|
| |children”. |
| |FOSTER MUM and FOSTER DAD’s view is that a plan of adoption provides an opportunity to carefully |
| |identify a family who are able to meet all of these needs for the children, with permanence being |
| |achieved for them. FOSTER MUM and FOSTER DAD share that sometimes, the children can bicker and fall |
| |out and there are days where it is quite tiring – however – they are quick to point out that this is|
| |exactly what life should be like with two young children. Their collective view is that the children|
| |should remain together in a placement where their sibling relationship can be promoted and supported|
| |throughout their childhoods into adulthood. |
26. Current contact arrangements for the child
| |What are the current arrangements? (Include frequency, |Child’s experience of contact (Give brief details of |
| |location and supervision arrangements) |the quality of this contact. Is it meeting the child’s|
| | |needs?) |
|Birth mother |3 x per week virtual contact by Skype, supervised by |Virtual – Virtual contact is largely repetitive. The |
| |carers/Social Worker in a group call |children have a list of questions that they seem to |
| |1 x per week direct contact, supervised by Children and|have devised. CHILD 2 in particular has what appears |
| |Family Worker CFW1 at an available venue throughout |to be an internal checklist – he asks MOTHER if she’s |
| |pandemic |had a coffee today, if she’s had anything to eat, if |
| | |she’s been outside and if she is ok. It is the |
| | |interpretation of all that have supervised that this |
| | |is something that CHILD 2 needs to do to check in on |
| | |the welfare of his CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER. Outside of |
| | |this, the conversation flows quite easily. The contact|
| | |has not had to be terminated for any reason. |
| | | |
| | |Direct – Direct contact is of a much better quality. |
| | |CHILD 2 is seen to show warmth and affection to his |
| | |Mum, which is reciprocated. MOTHER can struggle to |
| | |implement boundaries within contact; the children are |
| | |naturally excitable during contact and MOTHER can find|
| | |it difficult to manage this. This contact has not had |
| | |to be terminated for any reason. |
|Birth father |Not applicable |Not applicable |
|Birth mother’s current partner (as |Not applicable |Not applicable |
|applicable) | | |
|Maternal grandparents |There have been no formal arrangements for contact |CHILD 2 has seen his Nana and Grandad when MOTHER has |
| |between the children and maternal grandparents. |visited the family home and a virtual contact has |
| | |taken place. CHILD 2 has very brief conversations with|
| | |them, saying hello and asking how they have been and |
| | |sharing little pieces of information about his own |
| | |day. |
| | |This happens once or twice a month. |
|Paternal grandparents |Not applicable |Not applicable |
|Sibling 1 - SISTER |CHILD 2 and SISTER live together within their foster |The Local Authority plan to place CHILD 2 and SISTER |
| |placement |together in their adoptive placement in order to |
| | |maintain their strong sibling relationship. |
|CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER – CHILD 2’s |2 x per week virtual contact by Skype, supervised by |Virtual contact can be quite tricky between CHILD 2, |
|step-father |carers/Social Worker in a group call |his sister and CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER. CHILD 2 |
| |1 x per week direct contact supervised by Social Worker|STEP-FATHER has openly admitted that he struggled with|
| |SOCIAL WORKER 1 at XX |virtual contact as the conversation is the same. CHILD|
| | |2 STEP-FATHER prefers to spend time with the children |
| | |doing something. Equally, CHILD 2 and his sister often|
| | |appear disinterested in the virtual contact and it is |
| | |quite short, lasting only 5 or so minutes. |
| | | |
| | |Direct contact is of a much better quality. CHILD 2 |
| | |and SISTER enjoy seeing their Dad and have a routine |
| | |during this contact which includes; feeding the ducks |
| | |and geese, sitting on a bench chatting about the last |
| | |week, going to look at the birds in the aviary, |
| | |collecting interesting leaves and stones, going to the|
| | |park (particularly the slides and swings) and sharing |
| | |a bag of sweets. CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER is responsive to |
| | |the children’s wishes and is also able to manage their|
| | |behaviour from over excitement very well. This contact|
| | |has not had to be terminated for any reason. |
27. Proposed contact arrangements for the child (w)
|What transitional arrangements are planned once the care order/placement order is made? |
| |
|Should a Care and Placement Order be made in respect of CHILD 2, a reduction in contact would take place between CHILD 2 and his parents. |
| |
|Considering CHILD 2’s contact with his mother, this would be reduced according to a transition plan. The reduction plan would incorporate a staged |
|reduction from four times a week to once per month, with this being managed in a sensitive, planned way. The contact to take place once a month would be |
|done so on a face to face basis, with supervision provided by a representative of the Local Authority. |
| |
|Considering CHILD 2’s contact with CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER, this would also be reduced according to a transition plan. The reduction plan would incorporate a|
|staged reduction from three times per week to once per month, with this being managed in a sensitive, planned way. The contact to take place once a month|
|would be done so on a face to face basis, with supervision provided by a representative of the Local Authority. |
| |
|The contact would continue to take place in the community to ensure that it is in a natural environment as the children have been used to throughout the |
|time they have been placed outside of the care of their birth family. |
| |
|It is anticipated that both MOTHER and CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER will find the reduction in contact very difficult and additional support will be offered to |
|both parents via the allocated Social Worker and any other services that are felt to be appropriate. |
28. Planned contact arrangements and details after placement and after adoption (w)
|What are the proposed contact arrangements post-placement and post-adoption order as set out in the Care Plan? Set out the reasons for the plan and how |
|it is considered to meet the needs of the child. |
| |
|Following CHILD 2 being placed within an adoptive family it is felt that direct contact would not be of benefit to CHILD 2 with his mother or CHILD 2 |
|STEP-FATHER, as this could have a significant impact upon his adoptive placement. The priority for CHILD 2 is to ensure his permanence in a placement |
|that is able to consistently meet his needs. The Local Authority are mindful that continued direct contact could jeopardise CHILD 2’s ability to invest |
|in an adoptive family. |
| |
|The Local Authority would support indirect letter box contact between CHILD 2 and his parents. It should be considered that when CHILD 2 moves to live |
|with his growing up family, the family are encouraged to send CHILD 2’s birth mother and step-father a settling in letter to ease their anxieties. The |
|Local Authority would also encourage an exchange of carefully taken photos, drawings, hand and foot prints between CHILD 2 and his mother and |
|step-father. It is proposed that this exchange takes place at minimum of annually. This exchange will allow CHILD 2’s family to have continued |
|understanding of how CHILD 2 is and to further promote CHILD 2’s sense of identity. |
|Give details of the arrangements for all relevant people set out below, e.g. direct or letterbox, frequency, duration, any other relevant details and any|
|support or supervision requirements. |
|Birth mother |Annual letterbox contact |
|Birth father |Not applicable |
|Birth mother’s current |Not applicable |
|partner | |
|Maternal grandparents |Consideration given to annual letterbox contact |
|Paternal grandparents |Not applicable |
|CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER – |Annual letterbox contact |
|step-father | |
29. Chronology of the key decisions and actions taken by the agency with respect to the child (x)
|Date |Key decision/action |
|07/05/2019 |Initial Child Protection Conference held. CHILD 2 and SISTER are made subject to Child Protection Plans under the category |
| |of Neglect. |
|06/08/2019 |Review Child Protection Conference held. CHILD 2 and SISTER continue on Child Protection Plans under the category of |
| |Neglect. |
|04/10/2019 |Strategy meeting held following continued concerns regarding substance misuse at the property, alleged drug dealing, unsafe |
| |adults being around the children and a lack of progress in child protection plan. Threshold is agreed to have been met for |
| |Section 47 enquiry. |
|28/10/2019 |Due to continued concerns and lack of progression in Child Protection Plan, Legal Gateway Panel is held. Panel agree that |
| |the threshold for Public Law Outline has been met. |
|12/11/2019 |Public Law Outline meeting held and is attended by CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER, her legal representative, SW1 Social Worker and |
| |SWTM, Social Work Team Manager. |
|23/01/2020 |Legal Gateway Panel attended. Panel recommend Care Proceedings are initiated and a Supervision Order is applied for. |
|04/03/2020 |Urgent Court Hearing held at Leeds Family Court. MOTHER had presented at school to collect the children under the influence |
| |of alcohol and concerns were raised about her mental health, leading to concerns for the immediate safety of the children. |
| |CHILD 2 and SISTER are made subject to Interim Care Orders and are removed from the care of CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER, placed in |
| |the care of FOSTER MUM and FOSTER DAD (foster carers). |
|16/03/2020 |Viability assessment of STEP-FATHER’S AUNT, aunt of CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER, completed. Assessment concluded negatively for |
| |STEP-FATHER’S AUNT to progress to connected carers assessment, but positively for STEP-FATHER’S AUNT to be assessed for |
| |Special Guardianship of the children. |
|18/03/2020 |Case Management Hearing held at Leeds Family Court. Assessments are directed and the case timetabled through to final |
| |hearing. |
|23/03/2020 |Viability of assessment of MATERNAL GREAT AUNT, maternal great aunt, concluded negatively due to previous Social Care |
| |involvement, home conditions, lack of space and inability to work honestly with professionals. |
|17/07/2020 |Parenting Assessment of CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER concludes negatively. |
|17/07/2020 |Sibling assessment completed of CHILD 2 and SISTER. Assessment concludes with a clear recommendation that the children |
| |should remain placed together. |
|04/08/2020 |Initial Resolutions Hearing. Utilised as a further Case Management Hearing upon MOTHER showing positive changes. Local |
| |Authority request further period of assessment to determine CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER’s ability to maintain changes. |
|28/10/2020 |STEP-FATHER’S AUNT, withdraws from the Special Guardianship Assessment near completion, ultimately advising that she cannot |
| |care for the children. |
|28/10/2020 |Forensic drug and alcohol testing results are received in respect of MOTHER. These results are positive for excessive and |
| |chronic alcohol use and indications of drug misuse. |
|01/11/2020 |Independent Reviewing Officer, IRO, endorses plan of adoption for CHILD 2 and SISTER in the event that the remaining |
| |parenting assessment concludes negatively. |
|25/11/2020 |Parenting Assessment of MOTHER concludes negatively. |
| | |
30. Support to the birth mother
See ‘Birth parent’s views’ section in Checklist, Guidance and Tools
|What support or services has the birth mother been offered or taken up? Has she been referred for/received counselling from an independent person in |
|relation to the plan for adoption? (Give details) |
| |
|MOTHER has been offered continued support throughout the Care Proceedings in respect of CHILD 2. |
| |
|MOTHER worked well with Turning Point until July 2020, when she was stepped down to a lower level of support upon her sharing that she was making |
|positive changes. Turning Point remain involved with CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER, however, she rarely utilises this service. |
| |
|MOTHER is aware that the Well-Women service are able to support MOTHER in respect of her emotional health and the challenges of the care proceedings. |
|MOTHERis aware that she can be supported in referring to this service. MOTHER has not yet acted on this. MOTHER has accessed her GP with regards to her |
|emotional health and has sought medication to support this. |
| |
|MOTHER has maintained a positive relationship with me throughout my involvement as the Children’s Social Worker. MOTHER has been reminded throughout my |
|involvement that I am there as an additional support mechanism to her. MOTHER has not utilised this support. |
| |
|In the event that a positive decision is made by SHOPBA Panel that adoption is the preferred plan for CHILD 2 and the court endorse this plan, MOTHER |
|will be offered independent pre-adoption counselling through PAC-UK and will be supplied with relevant information about services available to her. |
| |
|Has the birth mother been given an opportunity to state her views on the adoption plan for the child? |
|Give date when views were last ascertained and briefly describe the outcome and her views. If no views were received, set out attempts made and reasons |
|for non-completion. |
| |
|MOTHER does not agree with the plan of adoption for CHILD 2 and SISTER. CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER’s view is that it is extremely unfair and that she will not |
|cope if this happens. CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER’s wish is for CHILD 2 and SISTER to be returned to her care and for continued support to be offered for her to|
|make and sustain the necessary changes to allow her to safely care for her children. |
|Has the birth mother been shown the relevant sections of this CPR? |NO |
|If yes, note date shown and briefly describe the outcome of this. If no, give reasons. |
| |
|MOTHER will have the opportunity to see the relevant section of this report ahead of SHOBPA Panel, but has not had the opportunity to see this prior to |
|submission as a result of extremely tight timescales. MOTHER has contributed to the completion of this report and is aware that she will be provided with|
|an opportunity to see the relevant sections and make comment, which will be included in updates. |
|If the birth mother has written her own account, is this included within or appended to this report? |
| |
|MOTHER has not written her own account, but she has contributed to the completion of this report by answering questions and offering information for the |
|purposes of this report. |
31. Support to the birth father
See ‘Birth parent’s views’ section in Checklist, Guidance and Tools
CHILD 2’s birth father is unknown. However, it is appropriate to complete this section in reference to CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER, CHILD 2’s step-father and who CHILD 2 has seen as his father since the age of six months.
|What support or services has the birth father been offered or taken up? Has he been referred for/received counselling from an independent person in |
|relation to the plan for adoption? (Give details) |
| |
|CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER has been offered continued support throughout the Care Proceedings in respect of CHILD 2. |
| |
|CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER has maintained a positive relationship with me throughout my involvement as the Children’s Social Worker and has utilised the support|
|offered throughout. Despite this, CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER has been unable to make or sustain any changes that are necessary for him to offer safe care to |
|CHILD 2 and his SISTER. This being said, CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER is realistic and recognises the limitations to his ability to care for the children. CHILD 2|
|STEP-FATHER is aware of what is required and where he can access the support to assist any changes made. |
| |
|In the event that a positive decision is made by SHOPBA Panel that adoption is the preferred plan for CHILD 2 and the court endorse this plan, CHILD 2 |
|STEP-FATHER will be offered independent pre-adoption counselling through PAC-UK and will be supplied with relevant information about services available |
|to him. |
|Has the birth father been given an opportunity to state his views on the adoption plan for the child? |
|Give date when views were last ascertained and briefly describe the outcome and his views. If no views were received, set out attempts made and reasons |
|for non-completion. |
| |
|CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER is not in agreement with the plan of adoption for CHILD 2 and SISTER. He feels upset and disappointed in himself and MOTHER in terms |
|of their ability to prove that they are able to care for CHILD 2 and SISTER consistently. CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER has been very honest throughout the |
|assessment process and recognises his own difficulties and the impact upon his parenting capacity. CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER would wish for more time to make |
|changes in his lifestyle to be able to care for the children. He recognises the required changes to be to stop drinking alcohol, to stop taking drugs, to|
|provide a stable home environment for the children and to seek support for things that have happened in his life that have caused him to struggle |
|emotionally. |
| |
|When considering the care plan of adoption, CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER is very clear that if the children are to be adopted, his wish would be for CHILD 2 and |
|SISTER to stay together. CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER’s view is that it would be “the worst thing, worse than them being adopted” if they were to be separated. |
| |
|CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER would wish to have ongoing contact with the children if they were to be placed within an adoptive family. CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER is |
|realistic and accepts that the contact he has with the children may be a form of indirect contact, but his preference would be to continue seeing the |
|children as often as any identified family would allow. |
|Has the birth father been shown the relevant sections of this CPR? |NO |
|If yes, note date shown and briefly describe the outcome of this. If no, give reasons. |
| |
|As CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER is not CHILD 2’s birth father, nor has he acquired Parental Responsibility for him, he would not have sight of the CPR. CHILD 2 |
|STEP-FATHER is aware of the information that has been recorded about him and has contributed to the sections that pertain to him. |
|If the birth father has written his own account, is this included within or appended to this report? |
| |
|Not applicable |
32. Ability and willingness of each parent and other family members or relevant persons to permanently care for the child (y)
For each parent or guardian and/or where relevant the child’s relatives or any other person where an assessment has taken place, set out a summary of the assessment findings and your analysis of their ability and willingness to provide the child with a secure environment that encourages their full development and meets their needs. Include the care/legal options that have been explored in relation to this carer and the reasons why the options have been discounted (ACA 2002 s.1(4)(f)(ii))
|Name: |MOTHER |
|Relationship to the child: |Mother |
|Summary of assessment and social worker’s analysis of their parenting capability – their willingness and ability to provide a secure environment in which |
|the child can develop and how they could meet the child’s needs within the child’s timescale |
|It is abundantly clear to all professionals who have been and continue to be involved with MOTHER and her children that she loves CHILD 2 and SISTER |
|dearly. Upon completion of the parenting assessment, the Local Authority are of the view that neither CHILD 2 nor SISTER can be safely placed in the care |
|of MOTHER. This is a decision that has been largely determined by the harm that CHILD 2 and SISTER have experienced prior to their removal from CHILD 2 |
|BIRTH MOTHER’s care, and further reinforced by the lack of progress made by MOTHER to achieve and sustain positive change for the benefit of her children,|
|since their removal from her care. |
| |
|It is well documented throughout the parenting assessment that CHILD 2 and SISTER have experienced significant harm in the form of being exposed to |
|MOTHER’s chronic alcohol misuse and poor mental health, being exposed to frightening adult behaviours from those who their parents associate with and not |
|receiving safe and consistent parenting. MOTHER has demonstrated her ability to work with the assessing Social Worker which is to be commended. However, |
|the assessing worker is also mindful that MOTHER has deliberately misled the assessing Social Worker in relation to positive progress made. The added |
|complexity of the deliberate dishonesty evidenced by MOTHER with regard to her substance misuse throughout the process of assessment, combined with the |
|extremely concerning forensic testing results, leads the author to conclude that this issue is still live and apparent. As such, the risk remains of the |
|children again experiencing the harm they endured prior to their removal from their mothers care. Sadly, despite MOTHER demonstrating the basic knowledge |
|of what good parenting looks like, the author is not confident in MOTHER’s ability to implement this consistently. CHILD 2 and SISTER require better than |
|‘good enough care’ to compensate for the trauma and neglect that they have experienced whilst in the care of MOTHER. This, combined with the children’s |
|need for stability, is the reason that the Local Authority cannot recommend that the children are returned to the care of MOTHER. |
| |
|Considering the need for housing, there are two clear reasons why this is imminently required. Firstly, the condition of the current property is not |
|suitable for two young children to live in. Secondly, the lifestyle culture of others on the estate has had a profound and lasting effect on the children |
|who have both consistently said they do not wish to live their again. Sadly, despite MOTHER being overtly aware of this, her lack of commitment to make |
|the required material changes in her current property throughout these extended proceedings combined with a lack of commitment to resolving the presenting|
|rent arrears, means that a house move cannot be achieved. The author is firmly of the view that whilst a change of housing is one element of concern in |
|this case, a move to different accommodation would not be enough to change the outcome of this assessment. |
| |
|The assessing worker acknowledges the challenges and ongoing difficulties that MOTHER has faced and will continue to face throughout the upcoming months. |
|It is recommended within the assessment that MOTHER continues to take note of the recommendations and advice given by professionals and partner agencies |
|to assist her in embedding positive change for herself. |
| |
|With the above in mind, the assessment concluded with a recommendation that permanence for CHILD 2 and SISTER is achieved outside of MOTHER’s care by way |
|of adoption. |
|Assessment and analysis of whether there should be an ongoing relationship with contact being continued and the value to the child of this happening |
| |
|Following CHILD 2 being placed within an adoptive family it is felt that direct contact would not be of benefit to CHILD 2 with his mother or CHILD 2 |
|STEP-FATHER, as this could have a significant impact upon his adoptive placement. The priority for CHILD 2 is to ensure his permanence in a placement that|
|is able to consistently meet his needs. The Local Authority are mindful that continued direct contact could jeopardise CHILD 2’s ability to invest in an |
|adoptive family. |
| |
|The Local Authority would support indirect letter box contact between CHILD 2 and his parents. It should be considered that when CHILD 2 moves to live |
|with his growing up family, the family are encouraged to send CHILD 2’s birth mother and step-father a settling in letter to ease their anxieties. The |
|Local Authority would also encourage an exchange of carefully taken photos, drawings, hand and foot prints between CHILD 2 and his mother and step-father.|
|It is proposed that this exchange takes place at minimum of annually. This exchange will allow CHILD 2’s family to have continued understanding of how |
|CHILD 2 is and to further promote CHILD 2’s sense of identity. |
|Their wishes and feelings regarding the plan for the child and date ascertained (if not covered elsewhere) |
| |
|Please see MOTHER’s wishes and feelings outlined at page 52 of this report. |
|Name: |CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER |
|Relationship to the child: |Step-father to CHILD 2 |
|Summary of assessment and social worker’s analysis of their parenting capability – their willingness and ability to provide a secure environment in which |
|the child can develop and how they could meet the child’s needs within the child’s timescale |
| |
|Upon completion of the parenting assessment, the Local Authority shared the view of Dr ABC that neither CHILD 2 nor SISTER can be safely placed in the |
|care of CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER. It is acknowledged that CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER also recognises that he is not in a position to offer care for CHILD 2 and/or |
|SISTER. The assessing worker commends CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER for recognising his position and subsequently, his capacity to show an ability to prioritise the|
|needs of the children. In addition, the assessing worker is grateful to CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER for his honesty throughout the assessment process which has |
|ensured that a positive working relationship can be sustained. |
| |
|Dr ABC comments upon CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER’s psychological profile, outlining that it shows “a catastrophic, complex and interconnected series of |
|psychological and emotional difficulties which, together and individually, significantly impair his daily functioning and activities of daily living”. It |
|is known that throughout Dr ABC’s psychological assessment, CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER did not feel able to disclose his childhood experiences. It is therefore |
|to be commended that CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER was able to discuss such difficult and traumatic events throughout the parenting assessment. The assessing worker|
|is grateful for this honesty as the knowledge of CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER’s life experiences encourages a better understanding of the presenting behaviours and|
|difficulties which impact on his ability to provide safe care to the children. |
| |
|The assessing worker would recommend that CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER seeks specialist support in respect of these earlier experiences to compliment any efforts |
|made to achieve abstinence from substances. It is accepted, particularly in conjunction with the conclusions of Dr ABC, that CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER is |
|largely reliant upon drugs and alcohol as a means of reducing anxiety and hypervigilance. Considering these challenges in accordance with the needs of the|
|children, CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER would be unable to offer safe and consistent care to one or both of the children. |
| |
|The assessing worker acknowledges the challenges and ongoing difficulties that CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER has faced and will continue to face should his current |
|circumstances persist. It is recommended that CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER takes note of the recommendations and advice given by professionals and partner agencies|
|to assist him in embedding positive change for himself. The assessing social worker wishes to remind CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER that the Local Authority are able|
|to assist CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER with the appropriate referrals to partner agencies such as Turning Point, Psychological Services, Wakefield District |
|Housing. The assessing worker is reliant upon CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER initiating this process. |
| |
|Given the risks identified, that are further compounded by the assessment of Dr ABC and the results of CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER’s drug and alcohol testing, it |
|is unfortunate the Local Authority are unable to recommend that CHILD 2 and SISTER are placed in the care of CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER. Without CHILD 2 |
|STEP-FATHER showing willing, or evidence of, acting upon any of the recommendations made by professionals thus far it is unlikely that CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER|
|will be able to make significant change in order to be able to care for CHILD 2 and SISTER. The Local Authority concurs with the view of Dr ABC that CHILD|
|2 STEP-FATHER does not offer a realistic option when considering the permanence plans of CHILD 2 and SISTER. CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER has experienced a |
|difficult and traumatic childhood, with which the Local Authority has great sympathy, however the needs of the children and their safety need to be given |
|absolute priority. |
|Assessment and analysis of whether there should be an ongoing relationship with contact being continued and the value to the child of this happening |
| |
|Following CHILD 2 being placed within an adoptive family it is felt that direct contact would not be of benefit to CHILD 2 with his mother or CHILD 2 |
|STEP-FATHER, as this could have a significant impact upon his adoptive placement. The priority for CHILD 2 is to ensure his permanence in a placement that|
|is able to consistently meet his needs. The Local Authority are mindful that continued direct contact could jeopardise CHILD 2’s ability to invest in an |
|adoptive family. |
| |
|The Local Authority would support indirect letter box contact between CHILD 2 and his parents. It should be considered that when CHILD 2 moves to live |
|with his growing up family, the family are encouraged to send CHILD 2’s birth mother and step-father a settling in letter to ease their anxieties. The |
|Local Authority would also encourage an exchange of carefully taken photos, drawings, hand and foot prints between CHILD 2 and his mother and step-father.|
|It is proposed that this exchange takes place at minimum of annually. This exchange will allow CHILD 2’s family to have continued understanding of how |
|CHILD 2 is and to further promote CHILD 2’s sense of identity. |
|Their wishes and feelings regarding the plan for the child and date ascertained (if not covered elsewhere) |
| |
|Please see CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER’s wishes and feelings recorded at page 53 of this report. |
|Name: |STEP-FATHER’S AUNT |
|Relationship to the child: |Aunt of CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER |
|Summary of assessment and social worker’s analysis of their parenting capability – their willingness and ability to provide a secure environment in which |
|the child can develop and how they could meet the child’s needs within the child’s timescale |
| |
|STEP-FATHER’S AUNT is the aunt of CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER and therefore shares no biological relationship with CHILD 2. However, STEP-FATHER’S AUNT has shared|
|a relationship with CHILD 2 and SISTER prior to them coming into Local Authority care. STEP-FATHER’S AUNT worked well with the assessing Social Worker, |
|indicated a preference to secure a Special Guardianship Order. Sadly, during the course of the assessment AUNT’s circumstances changed which meant that |
|she would be unable to provide care for the children. STEP-FATHER’S AUNT subsequently withdrew from the process of assessment, which was evidently a very |
|difficult decision for STEP-FATHER’S AUNT to make. It is clear that this difficult decision was made with the children’s best interests in mind. |
|Assessment and analysis of whether there should be an ongoing relationship with contact being continued and the value to the child of this happening |
| |
|STEP-FATHER’S AUNT has not seen the children in almost a year. Prior to this, contact between STEP-FATHER’S AUNT and the children was sporadic. The |
|relationship between them could be described as emerging. Neither CHILD 2 nor SISTER have talked about STEP-FATHER’S AUNT during direct work or visits and|
|when asked about her, neither can remember who she is. As such, it is not felt that continued contact would be in the best interests of the children. |
|Their wishes and feelings regarding the plan for the child and date ascertained (if not covered elsewhere) |
| |
|STEP-FATHER’S AUNT explained that she is deeply saddened by the plan for the children but ultimately agrees that it is the best outcome for them in |
|ensuring that they are safe, looked after and well cared for. STEP-FATHER’S AUNT hopes that the children are provided with the stability and security that|
|they deserve and would wish for them to understand that the decision she made was one made out of love, not because “she didn’t want them”. |
33. Brief details of assessments of the child’s needs, giving date undertaken and expert’s opinion
A parenting assessment was completed by Social Worker, SOCIAL WORKER 1 in respect of CHILD 2 and this concluded that he was at risk of suffering significant harm. The Social Worker was concerned that CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER’s lifestyle choices including her chronic misuse of alcohol and use of illegal drugs had contributed to the neglect of the children whilst in her care. Throughout the care proceedings, MOTHER has continued with this lifestyle and has been unable to make the changes required to encourage Social Worker’s that CHILD 2 would be safe and well in the care of his mother. Equally, CHILD 2 and his sister have talked about their experiences of living at home and in particular, the anti-social behaviour on the estate that they have been exposed to which have left them feeling frightened. It is considered that the parenting ability of CHILD 2’s birth family fell, and remain, considerably below what is required to keep children safe and happy.
Further assessments have been undertaken during Court Proceedings.
A sibling assessment has been undertaken of SISTER and her brother, assessing their relationship and forming a recommendation as to whether SISTER and her brother should remain placed together or be placed apart. This assessment identifies and recognises the strong sibling bond the children have with one another, whilst acknowledging the typical sibling rivalry that is to be expected in a sibling group. The assessment concludes with a recommendation that the children should remain placed together.
Drug and alcohol testing was undertaken of both MOTHER and CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER during the care proceedings. The testing concludes that CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER has used alcohol and drugs throughout the course of the care proceedings. Positively, CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER has not tried to hide this and has been honest about his lifestyle choices throughout the care proceedings.
The testing of MOTHER concluded that she has ‘chronically and excessively’ used alcohol since July 2020, despite verbally advising that she has been abstinent from alcohol since this time. The results also indicate that MOTHER has been using low levels of cocaine since March 2020.
Psychological assessments were undertaken of both CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER and CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER.
The psychological assessment in respect of MOTHER identified “a normative psychological profile”, however, raised that CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER’s main issues were those of her drug and alcohol use. The assessment concluded that the success in CHILD 2 BIRTH MOTHER’s parenting ability would be wholly reliant on her ability to achieve and maintain abstinence.
With regard to CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER, the psychological assessment identified that he has “a catastrophic, complex and interconnected series of psychological and emotional difficulties which, together and individually, significantly impair his daily functioning and activities of daily living”. The assessment outlined that CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER “must have a stable place to live” as this is crucial to providing consistency to CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER’s life. Additionally, the assessment recommends that upon securing a stable environment, CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER must focus his attention on controlling his substance misuse. The assessment outlines that CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER’s drug misuse is “so chronic” that the risk of relapse will remain high until CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER has remained abstinent for at least 12 months.
Parenting Assessments of both MOTHER and CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER are negative upon taking the above into account. It is with regret that they are unable to make and sustain the required changes to ensure CHILD 2 and SISTER would be safe from harm.
34. Summary of the reasons for considering that adoption would be in the child’s best interests
(Including addressing all the options which are realistically possible and analysis of the arguments for and against each option with date of relevant decision and reasons for any delay in implementing the decision) (z)
|First realistic option: |Adoption |
|Factors in favour |Factors against |
|Adoptive parents offer children safe, loving, nurturing environments where|CHILD 2 will lose direct contact with his birth family for the duration of|
|children can reach their full potential. |his childhood. This may impact on CHILD 2’s emotional wellbeing and his |
| |understanding of his identity and heritage. |
|CHILD 2’s primary carer would have full Parental Responsibility for his, | |
|offering his a sense of normality and stability in his life. |Adoption is a final decision and it does not provide parents the |
| |opportunity to effect change over a longer period of time or in future. |
|CHILD 2’s adoptive placement would remain confidential and this would | |
|avoid any disruption from his birth family. |Adoptive placements can breakdown. This would cause CHILD 2 to experience |
| |a secondary loss and separation. |
|Adoption would offer CHILD 2 permanence. The benefits of stability and a | |
|sense of belonging are important in order for CHILD 2 to meet his | |
|milestones and develop to his full potential. | |
| | |
|Adoptive placements are thoroughly matched to a child’s needs and | |
|identity. The matching process takes place via a rigorous procedure and | |
|Adoption Decision Making Meetings. | |
| | |
|The Local Authority would retain Parental Responsibility while CHILD 2 is | |
|subject to a Placement Order, and they will continue to make decisions | |
|that are in his best interests. The Local Authority will provide guidance| |
|and support on CHILD 2’s transition and settling period as long as it is | |
|necessary. | |
| | |
|Post adoption support is available to CHILD 2 and his adoptive family. | |
|This will continue for as long as it is required by the adoptive parents. | |
| | |
|CHILD 2 would be supported to meet his developmental milestones by his | |
|adoptive family in a supportive and consistent environment. | |
| | |
|Annual indirect letterbox contact with the birth family would be promoted | |
|to support CHILD 2 to understand his identity, background and life | |
|journey. | |
| | |
|On-going life story work would also be facilitated within the placement. | |
| | |
|CHILD 2 is a young child and therefore he does not have a complete | |
|understanding of his current circumstances. CHILD 2 will be apprised of | |
|his life story via his later life letters and life story book. | |
|Second realistic option: |Long-term Foster Care |
|Factors in favour |Factors against |
|Long term foster care offers children placements where they are kept safe |The Local Authority would need to be involved in CHILD 2’s life whilst |
|from harm. |ever he remained a looked after child. This would stigmatise his and set |
| |him apart from his peers. |
|The Local Authority will share Parental Responsibility with CHILD 2’s | |
|parents and therefore have a duty to ensure that his universal needs are |Parents can continue to cause a child a sense of instability by remaining |
|met. |inconsistent and exposing a child to their chaotic behaviours (in contact |
| |sessions or meetings) and by seeking to discharge the care order at any |
|CHILD 2’s parents will retain Parental Responsibility and they will be |time. |
|consulted about his wellbeing. | |
| |Foster placements cannot be guaranteed as long-term and they do not offer |
|The parents reserve the right to request a re-assessment of their ability |permanence. They can retire or resign, therefore, CHILD 2 could experience|
|to care for the child. |instability. |
| | |
|CHILD 2 could be matched appropriately to a long-term foster placement |CHILD 2’s primary carer would not have Parental Responsibility for him, |
|that would meet his needs. |meaning that authorisation for ‘normal’ childhood events such as holidays |
| |will need to be provided by Wakefield Children and Young People’s |
|The Social Worker can ensure that CHILD 2 receives appropriate support to |Services. |
|help his understand the separation from his family. This will help CHILD 2| |
|understand his identity. | |
| | |
|Contact with parents could continue with on-going assessment and review | |
|would be supported to develop relationships with his family members. This | |
|would help CHILD 2 to understand his identity. | |
|Reason why adoption is the preferred and proposed placement option |
|It is recognised that Adoption is an extreme measure and should only be pursued as a last resort where there are no alternative permanence plans |
|available or considered to be in the best interests of the child. |
| |
|For CHILD 2, at this stage, the Local Authority do not feel that it is in CHILD 2’s best interests to be placed into the care of his mother or his|
|step-father. It is evident that both adults love CHILD 2 and his sister dearly, however, assessments have concluded that CHILD 2 would be at |
|significant risk of harm if placed in the care of either MOTHER or CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER. This is on account of their lifestyle choices including |
|alcohol and drug misuse and the parents’ inability to make the changes required to ensure the children do not experience neglectful parenting. |
| |
|There are no family or friends who have been assessed as viable options to care for CHILD 2 and his sibling SISTER, despite assessments being |
|undertaken. |
| |
|CHILD 2’s basic needs will be similar to those of any other similar aged child in that he would require a safe, secure and stable home environment|
|with provision of warmth, love, affection and stimulation. CHILD 2 will be somewhat dependent upon his carer to meet the majority of his needs |
|consistently in order to promote his attachments and develop security and routines. |
| |
|CHILD 2 will require consistent and nurturing care that will allow him to continue to meet his developmental and emotional milestones throughout |
|childhood. Initially, his needs would be that of any child his age in that he will require food, warmth, good hygiene, stimulation, love and |
|affection. CHILD 2 will also need constant monitoring and attention to ensure that all his care needs are met. |
| |
|CHILD 2's basic care needs will change as he grows, he will require carers who have the skills and abilities to care for a child and adapt their |
|care dependent on age and needs at the time. CHILD 2 will also need a constant care giver in order to promote secure attachment, emotional |
|resilience and overall wellbeing. CHILD 2 is a young child who will look to his primary carer to be his advocate, protector and the person who |
|works hard on a daily basis to bring him on emotionally, socially and developmentally. |
| |
|CHILD 2 needs to be provided with opportunities to positively interact with adults and peers, given opportunities to participate in new activities|
|and supported through praise, positive role modelling and encouragement to build on aspects of his development such as his speech and language |
|skills, as he gets older. |
| |
|CHILD 2 has settled well into his foster placement, indicating an ability to form attachments to an identified adoptive family. |
| |
|It is the Local Authority’s view that for these reasons, CHILD 2’s needs would be best met in an adoptive placement that would meet his need for |
|permanence. |
Section C: Recommendations
|The relative merits of a placement order and other orders (such as a residence order or special guardianship order), including an assessment of why the |
|child's long-term interests are likely to be best met by adoption rather than by any other order |
| |
|The assessing social worker is aware that long term foster care will keep CHILD 2 safe. However, it does not offer him the security that he so clearly |
|needs and deserves. Long term foster care is fraught with uncertainty and inevitable changes. |
| |
|It is with regret that CHILD 2 cannot return to the care of either his mother or step-father due to their inability to safeguard him from harm. Neither |
|MOTHER nor CHILD 2 STEP-FATHER are able to provide CHILD 2 and his sister with consistent parenting to meet all of their needs safely and unfailingly. |
| |
|It is therefore felt that CHILD 2’s needs would be best met in a permanent placement outside of his birth family and within an adoptive placement with a |
|family whom has patience and the skill to nurture and help CHILD 2 achieve his full potential. |
|Recommendations as to whether there should be future contact arrangements (or not), including whether a contact order under section 26 of the 2002 Act |
|should be made |
| |
|The Local Authority has to balance the need for future contact between CHILD 2, his birth parents and wider family member’s against the need for him to be|
|afforded permanency and security. Given CHILD 2’s age, the Local Authority feel that his best interests would be served by being placed within an adoptive|
|family rather than in long term fostering. Therefore the Local Authority would look to cease direct contact between CHILD 2 and his birth parents upon |
|matching CHILD 2 with his prospective adoptive family. |
| |
|In order to ensure CHILD 2’s identity post adoption, it is the view of the Local Authority that contact with his birth family members should be of an |
|indirect nature via annual letter box contact. |
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