My own experience was many years ago and of my first partner's wayward daughter's two kids, particularly the boy. He would almost live here and visit his parents, returning here traumatised, always dirty, always hungry, always complaining about the poor living conditions at his mothers. His school had similar concerns, plus major concerns about poor attendence. He suffered regular psychosomatic illnesses, even ending up in a wheelchair at one time. Social services refused to accept there was anything seriously amiss, until once in hospital, he refused to be returned to his mother's care. His mother wanted him, but simply didn't want him enough to give him the care needed.
I had so far kept out of it, but this time I got involved and had a meeting with the ss, suggesting that he be put in the care of his grandmother. A few days later arrived a letter from the ss, denying in their opinion that it was the best option. I'm not one for letting anything go easily, when I know I am right and I went storming down to their offices, barged in and insisted on seeing the head of department, who's name was on the letter. I made clear their decision was very wrong, that the lad was at extreme risk in the 'care' of his mother and they needed to sort things out, or it would end in tragedy in court. Basically I bullied them into making a sensible decision and the lad was put into our temporary full time care. That was followed up by various investigation around me, my partner and our home circumstances, followed by us adopting him in our full time care.
I had so far kept out of it, but this time I got involved and had a meeting with the ss, suggesting that he be put in the care of his grandmother. A few days later arrived a letter from the ss, denying in their opinion that it was the best option. I'm not one for letting anything go easily, when I know I am right and I went storming down to their offices, barged in and insisted on seeing the head of department, who's name was on the letter. I made clear their decision was very wrong, that the lad was at extreme risk in the 'care' of his mother and they needed to sort things out, or it would end in tragedy in court. Basically I bullied them into making a sensible decision and the lad was put into our temporary full time care. That was followed up by various investigation around me, my partner and our home circumstances, followed by us adopting him in our full time care.
