Story of woman whose children were taken away provokes a big response
READERS online have had their say on the ordeal of a mum whose children were taken away by social services – and opinion is split.
The Derbyshire woman’s children were placed with an adoptive family in 2019 after it was deemed she was unfit for parenting.
However, the mum – who cannot be named for safety reasons – has since criticised that decision, saying it was the wrong call for her family.
She said they were taken away after she and her partner – who had “a number of disagreements” – breached an order not to resume their relationship once they had broken up.
The story provoked a large response from readers of the Burton Mail’s Facebook page, with many having their say – and some said they believed there must be more to the story.
Rebekah Ellen Bye said: “There is a serious safeguarding issue for social services to go to this extreme. This is her version of events, not the facts of the case.”
Gemma Elizabeth added: “Social services do not take children away unless there is very good reason.”
Emma Marie said: “Removing parental responsibility is an extremely drastic step and the references she makes to having to notify social services if she resumes her relationship are very significant.
“Why choose your partner over your children? Her version of events are doubtless the tip of the iceberg.”
Laura Ashley said: “Kids don’t get taken away for no reason. It’s always the last resort.”
Others offered sympathy for the woman.
Lorraine Allard said: “I hope with the correct support, the family will be reunited. Good luck.”
Kayleigh Bettin said: “I know how she feels. Massive hugs to her. Keep going; you can do it.”
Michelle Preece added: “This is terrible before Christmas.”
Laura Louise Bishop said: “So let me get this straight, they took the kids of a loving mother, who actually got herself support rather than being referred for it.
“And she had arguments with her partner. Didn’t say they argued all the time. But unfortunately, couples argue.
“I hope she gets them back and they actually support her this time. If it’s as it says then how very awful for this lady.”
Others have criticised social services.
Beth Higgins said: “If she never harmed or neglected her kids, then give them her back and concentrate on the children who are in harm’s way and being neglected. “And help mums like her instead of punishing the children and taking them away from their mother.”
Some said that they believed the kids were better placed away from their mother. Charlotte Douglas said: “She was told not to be with him, she was given the choice of him or her kids, and she chose him. I’ve no sympathy for her, just her poor kids who deserved better. Every child deserves a parent, but not every parent deserves a child.” Jenny Smith added: “If social services say a man or your children, you make that choice. I have seen a few women be given that choice and then breach it, lose kids and cry unfair afterwards.
“They don’t take kids for no reason and they don’t get involved for no reason. She lost children for choosing a relationship over them.”
Kerry Bhatt: “An absolutely horrible situation. But I would keep everyone and everything out of my life forever if it was a choice between that and my children.”
Cally Robey-daisley said: “She breached a condition that was there for the safeguarding of her children and refused housing.
“Children should always come before anyone else in your life, full stop, and it’s not fair on the children. I hope they settle with some lovely adoptive parents.”
A spokesman from Derby City Council said: “Derby City Council children’s service believe that children thrive best in their family in most cases.
“When there are risks that children’s needs cannot be met by family members, children are placed in an alternative setting.
“We do endeavour where possible for children to maintain some contact with their families unless the courts have judged that this is not in the child’s interest.”
Whenever there are risks that children’s needs cannot be met by family members, children are placed in an alternative setting.
Council