Something I've struggled to articulate these past few days is the profound impact that the narrative of child protection being institutionally biased against families has on foster carers. 1/
It is our experience that many people in the community regard us simply as agents of social services. At best, they are indifferent, at worst they are hostile. 2/
This can happen at the school gate, in shops, during after school activities...pretty much anywhere. 3/
It makes it so much more difficult to build those relationships in the community that will benefit the child, but which also sustain us as human beings doing a difficult job. 4/
I appeal to people to think before amplifying those who promote the concept of child protection as intrusive and overreaching, a "runaway train' of social workers who needlessly 'wade in'. 5/
It takes a lot of hard work and patience to build trust with the community of people who are important to a child in care. Understandably, there is a great deal of suspicion on all sides. 6/
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