Children’s Fund Medway

Background

Woman lived within an abusive relationship with her son and expecting another baby. Social Services became involved due to escalating concern regarding her ability to safeguard and protect her children from harm. Both children were placed on the child protection register and the reality of the possible removal of both children was acknowledged.

Approach 

She became involved in the Freedom Programme and received support and encouragement from both the other women attending and the facilitators. She also had a high level of input from a student social worker who was supporting the Freedom Programme (on placement with the Women's Support Service). Her children were cared for in the crèche and engaged in age-appropriate play and stimulation.

Outcome 

This woman re-discovered her confidence and self-esteem and came to acknowledge the needs of her children to live within a safe/secure environment and recognise that this was not the case. She left her partner (father of the children) and currently lives in another accommodation with both her sons, continuing to receive support. The child protection case conference review is planned with recommendations being that their names are removed from the register. This woman has also been proactive in taking some control back over her life and, with the childcare support from her parents, has secured a place on an access course to commence health studies and has a desire to train to become a children’s nurse.

Children are now safe and have opportunity to live in a safe, fearless environment.

Quotes (not related to this case study)

"The Programme has totally changed my life."

"I realise that I am not alone."

"The programme has given me strength."

"It made me realise that the problem lies with abusive partner and not with me."

"Meeting people and making new friends.”

Case Study 2

Background

Mother and two children living within an abusive relationship with the mother's partner and children's father. Mother had attempted to end the relationship previously; however resumed such 'for the children'. Both children presented with behaviours which were difficult for Mum to manage.  

Approach

Mother attended the Freedom Programme weekly and the children both attended the crèche. Behaviours observed by the crèche team of both children were indicative of children who had witnessed domestic abuse. The boy presented as very aggressive if any child passed  or went near him during the session (on one occasion a baby crawling) he would lash out at whomever (thumped baby). If he was spoken to by anyone he would growl at them. Minimal interaction and eye contact. His support throughout the crèche was by a consistent key person who gave clear boundaries alongside nurturing him. The girl presented as quite dependant on her brother and did mimic his growling, showing signs of repeating his behaviours.

Outcome

Both children are now living with Mum in a safe environment. Mum acknowledged and realised the effect the environment and the abusive behaviours between their parents  was having on her children's lives whilst recognising the importance of maintaining attachments with both parents where safe and appropriate to do so. They have contact with their Dad in the presence of their paternal grandmother with whom Dad is now residing. Mum has secured a place within a  nursery for both children and their development, both socially and emotionally, is  improving as a result of having stimulation and social interaction outside of the family home. The transition to nursery was eased due to the time spent within the crèche, where they both received a high level of input to appropriately challenge and role model more acceptable behaviours within a safe environment. Through their time within the crèche their behaviour improved and, whilst the boy still remained very protective over his own personal space, stopped being aggressive and growling, rather starting to build relationships. Both children were invited to continue attending the crèche once the 12 week programme had concluded so the team could continue to work alongside them, building on what had been started. Mum continues to engage with the workers and has accepted people into her home to work alongside both herself and the children in home play. Initially the worker interacted with the children and the Mum looked on, now we are at a stage where the Mum is actually engaging and showing more interest in both children. Their behaviour has calmed considerably and Mum is finding spending time with her children to be less of a chore and a dread. Mum herself has become more confident with improved self-esteem now she has started to take back some control over her life. She has recently passed her driving test and is exploring returning to college to undertake an access course. Mum has also spoken at length as to how, when a bit more time has passed, she would like to support others who have been or are in similar circumstance as she was, with a view to encouraging and supporting others to safeguard themselves and their children.

Quotes

"We touch on a lot of subjects that are becoming clearer to me, so very beneficial."

"Glad that I attended because of the benefits to my self-esteem."

"I realise more each session that I am not alone in my experience of an abusive partner which makes me feel stronger."

"I feel that I have full support with dealing with my own life's situation through the facilitators and other women in the group."

"Being with like-minded people helps, listening to others experiences are also helpful."

"Stronger emotionally."

"A lot makes you feel you are not alone, there are other people have been through it."