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Reporting a concern
It can be difficult to know what to do if you think a child is at risk. It’s important to remember that if you’ve spotted things that don’t seem right, others will have too. Speaking up can make sure that child gets help as soon as possible.
The sooner you contact your local children’s social care duty team, the quicker they can act. They’re available 24 hours a day, and can make an anonymous report if that feels safer. If a child is in immediate danger, please call the police straight away by dialling 999.
Report child abuse or neglect to your local council
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I have a 2 year old daughter, and my partner is suffering with post natal depression. She is taking her medication, but recently she attempted suicide due to the depression and also drinking on this occasion. The Police and Ambulance were called, and after a hospital stay, she returned home and is getting some support from the mental health department.
As expected, Child Services are now involved and I have spoken to them, and tried to play day the incident, so that they don't over react. They have then relayed every word I've said to my Partner, which has caused a slight rift in our relationship and make me feel that there's no trust or support for me.
They have also asked her if I'm abusive to her, as these incidents they are aware of, have been since we've been together. That question broke my heart, whilst also putting me on my guard in dealing with them.
I cannot lose my daughter, she is my world, and I'm fearful that the man never has any rights and always get treated as a second class citizen.
Any help or advice would be appreciated
As children's services are involved, I would have a word with Family Rights Group - www.frg.org.uk
I'm not sure that relaying everything you said back to your partner was something they should have done, especially since they didn't warn you they were going to do so,
I would echo actd's advice here. If your partner's mental state is already that fragile, I can't see how their actions could have helped matters at all.
Keep posting and we will do what we can to assist you.
It might be a good idea to go and have a word with your daughters Health Visitor and perhaps your GP too about the current situation and your concerns.
I agree that Childrens Services should have been more sensitive, but they would argue that the question needed to be asked to be able to discount it. Hopefully your partner had put that possibility to restart the authorities now understand that it is all as a result of PND.
It might be a good idea to contact PANDAS
www.pandasfoundation.org.uk
The have a helpline and can offer help and support for people and their families going through PND
Here's a link to Mind who can also help and support through this, here's a link
www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/postnatal-depression-and-perinatal-mental-health/
All the best