A mother with learning difficulties has been allowed to keep her child after demonstrating progress in social work assessments.
In Re J (A Child), the local authority had placed the mother under assessment in supported accommodation due to concerns about her ability to care for the boy, then approaching his first birthday. The mother showed progress but a second period of assessment was ordered to fully assess the situation.
The mother was able to recognise own limitations. She listened to her social workers and convinced them that she could meet the child’s needs provided she received the necessary support and advice.
The local authority eventually accepted that supervision of the mother would be sufficient to protect the baby. A supervision order would prevent unnecessary disruption to the youngster and also allow the woman to continue receiving the support she needed as he moved into independent living.
Her son was said very be “very contented” in her care.
