Morris Minor Owners Club

Just had an EXTREMELY depressing 4 1/2 months. My daughters best friend was put on the Social Services "at risk" register at the start of November due to her father being disabled, and not being able to get her to school amongst other things. Essex Social Services have had an appaling Ofsted report for their child care, and they immediately put a complete block on all access between the family and those who had been involved with them, including us, in the name of "family support". This was until "procedural checks" had been carried out. 4 months later no checks had been carried out, Social Worker was refusing to communicate, and the girls ( and families) were getting a bit stressed & depressed! Finally after a lot of phone calls, letters, complaints procedure, and the intervention of the Local Government Ombudsman, we were told today that we could resume our relationship with the family. All this has, understandably, created a great dislike of the SS by all concerned, which is in itself worrying, as if in the future the girls have any problems, they will be most reluctant to seek their help

However, suddenly it's like a huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders. Think we will throw a big party to celebrate!!

Tell me about it! We were Foster Parents at one time - and oh dear - did we go through the hoops! It is/can be a nightmare - they just don't seem to have any common sense whatsoever.

Please remember that some of our users may well be social workers.

Please remember that some of our users may well be social workers.

As a foster carer I have to be careful what I write about social services and individual social workers, regardless of any justifiable cause to complain. Speaking with friends is one thing, but the internet is not the same as a conversation in someone's kitchen over a cup of tea. Big Brother is watching you e.g. They can check your facebook accounts by over-riding your security settings, rather like the tax man monitoring your bank accounts. Normally I'd say if anyone is innocent they've got nothing to hide, but sadly that doesn't always apply.

I'm saddened by your case to have friends in need and then be banned from helping them due to beurocracy of the services 'trying to help'. Despite their multitude of failings, they're a neccessary part of the society we now live in.