Thread by @SVPhillimore

I am really concerned to see this. A woman has been reported to Children’s Services because she has ‘transphobic’ views and thus may be causing harm to a child who ‘may’ be trans. Why do I think this is wrong?

1. The alleged ‘transphobia’ appears to be agreement with the statement that sex is real and it matters. This is not ‘transphobia’, this is a belief protected pursuant to the Equality Act as worthy of respect in a democratic society.

To say that a parent who holds this belief is likely to do harm to a gender questioning child is as discriminatory and wrong as saying a Muslim parent is likely to inflict FGM on a child.

2. The threshold for compulsory state intervention in a child’s life is ‘significant harm’ or the risk of. Of course we all have a duty to report concerns - but to do so on no evidence, or in furtherance of your political views, is a waste of scarce and valuable resources.

3. In my career I have made four safeguarding referrals. 2 related to individual and identifiable children and I took advice from senior colleagues before doing. 2 related to organisations - the NSPCC and Lush.

In every case I had clear evidence of my concerns which I set out, providing my name and contact details. And I would urge anyone with genuine concerns for a child to do the same.

But anyone who uses the threat of a report to Children’s Services, or who actually does this, on an irrational, unreasonable or malicious basis is not merely distracting attention from genuine cases of harm, but if they repeat this behaviour, are putting themselves at risk.

I think repeated malicious complaints are very likely to be a criminal matter. For parents in this situation, please stay calm. Social workers cannot ignore reports but equally they will not want to waste time on bogus ones.

If you do feel any social worker is motivated to investigate you for your protected belief, seek immediate legal help. I think it highly unlikely any investigation will proceed when a child is visibly healthy and happy, in a home that is clean and warm.

I am sorry for any child who feels rejected by their parents for their sexuality or gender expression. Their parents failed and that is a great sadness for all concerned. But that does not mean parents who don’t share your views about gender issues are automatically reportable.

Please exercise some degree of responsibility and restraint before expecting stretched and pressured front line services to be used as part of your political campaigning. If you care at all about children’s welfare you will see the sense in what I am saying.