Fostering.

[cd365]

The specific straw that broke the camel's back came about by the authority's intrusive demand for information on our own beautiful grand-son and their dictatorial demands on how we should behave around him! They asked to spend a day with us when we were with our grand-son. They then 'observed' us and told us in no uncertain terms what we were doing wrong! We raised our two sons to be fine young men so won't accept instructions from anyone, least of all the interfering state, over how we should conduct ourselves around children. We shouldn't pick him up or cuddle him for instance. Despite this being the most natural thing in the world (Sam was 18 months old at the time), it would set a dangerous precedent as we most certainly would not be able to hold or cuddle a foster child in our care and so we should treat all children with us consistently or it would be considered unfair.

My wife and I have often discussed fostering, this has seriously put me off!

 

[Profpointy]

[QUOTE 3251092, member: 45"]

That's ridiculous. It very much depends on who is doing the assessing. Another worker and you'd have none of that.
[/QUOTE]

Although I might once have been sceptical on some of these type stories, as they can often be in the same bracket as "It's PC gorn maad", or even "Eurocrats ban English Cheese" or whatever, having heard a somewhat similar account from some friends who (eventually) adopted a child, this all does ring true. Amongst other nonsense they had to install stoppers in their electricity sockets, presumably to stop the power leaking out and zapping someone.

 

[Lullabelle]

I understand the need for assessments, rules etc.. to protect the children but maybe it can go too far and put people off from doing it and that is areal shame, there are a lot of vulnerable youngsters out there who need help and support but perhaps are being let down by too many restrictions.

 

[ColinJ]

Although I might once have been sceptical on some of these type stories, as they can often be in the same bracket as "It's PC gorn maad", or even "Eurocrats ban English Cheese" or whatever, having heard a somewhat similar account from some friends who (eventually) adopted a child, this all does ring true. Amongst other nonsense they had to install stoppers in their electricity sockets, presumably to stop the power leaking out and zapping someone.

I mentioned Paul's post to someone on a ride today, and he said that his brother went through a similar thing. He too had given up. I often see him picking up his young grandson from school. He loves looking after kids and would have made a great foster parent/carer.

 

[annedonnelly]

I think foster carers deserve a medal! Well done to anyone who does it and I hope that the feeling of pride and satisfaction in doing such a great job outweighs the hassles of looking after potentially problem children.

 

[fossala]

My Dad does it with troubled teens as his background is with the YMCA and other charities for young people. He loves it but is going to stop it after this child as he wants to retire. From what I have been told it has it's up's and down's but he reminds himself that he is the legal guardian for the child so whatever he does has to be in the child’s best interest.