The past 5 months have been really tough for us financially. We are still struggling after fostering the kids for 8 weeks over the summer. Not that I would have done anything different mind you. But I had to give up my work at the universities to months early and lost 8 weeks income as I became the main carer for the kids. I had to close the company down for 8 weeks essentially. When I have the time I will relate the whole story in my blog. Have to say the social services were about as much use as a chocolate watch in hell. We received no help finacially, no support with child care costs or with getting the youngest into a nursery not support of any kind what so ever.
The whole social services side of the fostering was a complete night mare. So much so I, and the family, have made an official complaint. This in itself has been hmmmmm difficult. I am lucky in some respects as I have experience of working with vulnerable kids and adults as an inclusion and dyslexia specialist teacher. I know how the system works and have reasonable good literacy skills. Well I have a masters degree and specialist teaching qualifications so my literacy skills are pretty good despite being dyslexic.
In my view the social services let down the kids, their mum and ourselves in a big way. So I feel I have no choice but to take this complaint as far as I can. My next letter goes to the head man at the council and to the first minister of Scotland
As I said I lost two months income, I didnt have any time to develop the company and my new ideas and all my savings were used. I lost training opportunities and new business opportunities.
We really enjoyed fostering the kids but its not easy caring for a 3 year old and 14 year old. It was the hardest and most challenging thing I have ever done in my life. The good news is the kids are back with their mum and all are getting the support they need from a different social work team. I have nothing but praise for all those involved in getting the kids back together with their mum. But not those initially involved with this case
The good news is I started working again in September with my company Dyslexia Pathways and on Friday I will receive the cash I earned in October. Phew it is much needed and its been a long two month hard slog to get here. The good news is we have ecceeded the targets set from last year already.
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