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FP contributes to leading publication

August 09, 2010

The issue of contact often promotes the greatest depth of discussion in the area of fostering. The time, venue, circumstances and personnel that attend a contact meeting – a meeting between a looked after child or young person and their biological family – all have to be considered for the best interests of all parties, short and long term.

When Community Care – a leading source of information in the Social Care fraternity – featured a typical contact dilemma in their recent issue (29/07/10), who better to turn to than Fostering People’s very own Operational Manager, John Platt, for an expert’s view on the matter of discussion.

John was able to apply experienced gathered through his established social work background to offer guidance on the issue of contact between two young children and a mother with a long history of alcohol and drug abuse:

“Contact for Mary and Jeffrey should be seen within the context of their long-term plans and these aren't clear. With five years in care and only aged eight and seven, the chances for a successful adoption are fading.

“The children's mixed feelings about contact are not surprising. Last year wasn't a success and it's likely they have picked up on their carers' reluctance for contact. But they will have torn loyalties because, despite her difficulties, their mother has almost certainly been the only constant in their lives…”

John Platt

Source: ‘Should Tracy see the Children on their birthday’ – communitycare.co.uk

You can read the article in full on the Community Care website.