Foster carers

[lady*em]

Not sure if there are any foster carers here any more, but I'm hoping there may be.

I know someone who has two children in her care, who were both molested by family members, which is how they came to be in care. This person broke up from a long term partner a while ago. She has recently met someone else and has been posting pictures on fb of this man with his arm around one of the young girls, and his face up against hers. She looks quite uncomfortable.

Isn't it part of dept rules that such physical contact is not really allowed? Especially from someone who is barely known to the foster mother, let alone the kids. This man is throwing money at the foster mother, and she appears to be forgetting good judgement in return. In fact, she is behaving much like a schoolgirl. I'm not sure how to suggest she take care with this, and was hoping that if there were definite dept rules about this sort of thing, that that would be a good starting point. Any foster carers, or former ones,about who could help? Thanks.

[shoptilludroptara]

im not a forster carer

but if you feel strongly that something might be wrong

it only takes a phone call to save a child

think carefully,and trust your instincts

better to be safe than sorry

tara

[esseco46]

I'm not a foster carer but I do know someone who has had 99 children in her care so far and I think you are right about the "dept rules that such physical contact is not really allowed". I personally would be worried about the emotional wellbeing for the child.

All it will take is an enquiry phone call to put your mind at ease.

D

[azureline**]

isn't there also a rule about posting fb pics of foster care children?

[freshwater-2]

isn't there also a rule about posting fb pics of foster care children?

OMG I hope so.  The remaiffications of this, in some cases, could be disastrous.

[lady*em]

Thanks for your replies. I know I could make a phone call to the dept, but I'm sure they are snowed under and it is possible that it won't be really taken seriously. I thought if I could come from the angle with the foster mother that what she is doing at the moment could jeopardise the kids in her care, it might make her think. She's being very silly IMO. Until you know someone pretty well, I wouldn't be forcing "happy families" on my foster kids with them. This man may be very nice, but she hasn't known him long enough.

[bluecat*dancing]

Contact the relevant authorities, tell them of your concerns and let them determine if it needs to be investigated. They'll also be able to let you know what the rules are regarding social media.

[bluecat*dancing]

Also, there would already be a case worker assigned to the foster carer.

[chuk_77]

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@azureline** wrote:

isn't there also a rule about posting fb pics of foster care children?

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yes, almost put that in capitals. its publishing pics fullstop

[foxette-in-sox]

The policy re publishing of photo's of children in care is very clear-as long as the child is not specifically identified as a child in care,then it most definitely is allowed.

For example,you could put a photo on facebook & tag it as Mary but what you are NOT allowed to write is 'This is Mary,a foster child'.

Re the bloke putting his arm around the child in a photo-so what ? It's not a criminal offence.