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Really struggling and need any advice.

Posted: Thu May 21, 2015 7:24 pm
by jumpingthroughhoops
Hello. I've been put in quite a difficult position and have no idea what to do.
In January I had my three nieces come stay with me. Due to various problems it was decided with social services and police that they would remain with me for a while. That quickly became three months, I repeatedly told Child services I was struggling. Financially and practically. Had to take unpaid leave from work . In March I told CS I could not not cope any longer with no support what so ever. They then told me they would place children with me and then provide financial support. However two months later still nothing. They won't give any indication of what is happening or when I'll receive any payment. When I ring and ask they tell me that complaining is unhelpful, ringing them will only slow the process and I need to be patient.
I really don't know what else to do. It's been 5 months and we're all still stuck not knowing on what is going on and struggling to get by.

Re: Really struggling and need any advice.

Posted: Thu May 21, 2015 9:01 pm
by jumpingthroughhoops
Yes the children are with me as Looked After Children. I've emailed, text and rang SW, a manager and connected persons team and all I get told is it is a process and I have to be patient and stop ringing. But t's been months and every week becomes more of a struggle. I feel pretty much trapped, I've been told only alternative is for the kids to be taken into care where they'll almost certainly be separated . They don't want that and I don't want that but not sure how long I can continue living like this. I did make a formal complaint to Children's Services and got told shortly after that at the end of all this I might not be approved as a placement and as such wont get anything anyway.

Re: Really struggling and need any advice.

Posted: Thu May 21, 2015 10:30 pm
by its all abit messy
Best people to speak to are the kinship team, these deal with family fostering ect. Our kinship worker has fought for everything for us and has been great. Good luck

Re: Really struggling and need any advice.

Posted: Sat May 23, 2015 10:26 pm
by jumpingthroughhoops
well I filled out a form about 4 weeks ago when they finally decided who would pay for the kids but still nothing. Now I'm just being told I've to wait untill they've approve , or not, the kids placement here. They've now decided they not sure if my house is big enough. Odd as we've had to manage for five months

Re: Really struggling and need any advice.

Posted: Wed May 27, 2015 11:09 am
by Suzie, FRG Adviser
Dear DeanWaring

Welcome to the Family and Friend's discussion board. My name is Suzie, one of FRG's online advisers.

I am sorry to hear that you are going through such difficulties with Children's Services involvement with regards to the placement of your nieces in your care and can see that you have already been offered some advice from other forum members here.

As Children's Services have acknowledged that the children are 'Looked After' they have a statutory responsibility to assess you as a foster carer .

Once you are approved, they should pay any backdated fostering allowance that is owed to you. It may be helpful to request a copy of the family and friends policy which outlines what support is available locally for friends and relatives carers of children in your area. A copy of the policy can also be found on your Local Authority's website.

If in the event they do not approve you, they must move the children to an alternative placement, but you are entitled to ask for the reasons in writing.

If you wish to discuss your situation in more detail with an adviser, please feel free to contact our advice line on 0808 801 0366 Monday to Friday 09.30 am to 03.00 pm.

I hope this helps.

Best Wishes

Suzie