Jenny is a young lady with learning difficulties who was referred to us through the Local Authority as she needed help understanding the child protection process
Jenny has young children who were removed from her care for safety reasons. She was vulnerable, frightened and suddenly found herself having to deal with solicitors, social services and attending court which is intimidating for anyone.
Jenny needed an advocate to help her understand all the information she was being given by the various professionals that she was dealing with. She had to attend a lot of meetings and she was receiving complex letters and information about what was happening. As a child, she had been involved with social services and her experience was not positive. As a result. she was very suspicious of any professionals and tended to become agitated in their company. She felt that they weren’t listening to what she was saying, and she wasn’t getting her thoughts, wishes and opinions heard. She didn’t know what was happening from one day to the next and the whole situation was very overwhelming.
Initially, our independent advocate met with Jenny at her house to introduce themselves and informal chat to get to know one another. She showed the advocate some of the reports that she had been given and these were explained to Jenny in simpler terms and in small bites so that she had a better understanding of the content and what it meant for her.
Our advocate attended all the meetings that Jenny had with social services and her solicitor so that she understood what was going on. The advocate ensured that everything on Jenny’s mind was communicated to the professionals. After any meetings, with Jenny’s consent, the advocate would speak to her dad about what has been agreed and discussed so that he understood what was going on and she has someone to talk to.
Ultimately, over the course of around 12 months, the case came to court. The advocate had been preparing Jenny for the possibility that she may not get the children back and to prepare her for this outcome.
Sadly, the court decided that it was in the children’s best interests to be adopted. During the court case, our independent advocate was able to be by Jenny’s side and explain what was happening and provide emotional support. The advocate was able to help Jenny get answers to questions that she had e.g. to be able to have written contact once a year to her children.
“I hate going to meetings and speaking to social workers but when my advocate is with me, I feel better and a bit stronger, like I am not alone.” – Paul, Client
Although there were children involved in this case, our advocate’s role was to support the parent through the child protection process. It was essential that our advocate built a good rapport with the parent. Tough conversations had to had around the case e.g., the strong possibility that the children would be adopted. Our independent advocate was able to discuss with Jenny how she was going to move forward with her life without her children.
“I can see my client relaxing and feeling strong when I am in meetings with her and that is me doing my role as an advocate.” – ICANN independent Advocate
Howick House, Howick Park Avenue, Penwortham, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 0LS
Tel: 01772 746 061
Email: admin@i-cann.org.uk
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