‘BANNED FROM CARING BECAUSE I WAS RAPED’
ADEDICATED foster carer who says she was raped and abused as a youngster claims a council told her she couldn’t look after children because of her history.
Tracy Tattersall, 58, used to work at an agency fostering children mainly on a respite basis.
After she made the decision to transfer to Cardiff council’s fostering service she was told her application would not be continued.
Tracy was raped by individuals who were never caught when she was younger. She also later experienced sexual abuse and physical violence.
But she claims that having disclosed her experiences she was verbally told she would not be suitable to be a carer with Cardiff council because of the abuse.
She was also told in a letter that one of the reasons she had been turned down was her inability to drive.
A council spokesman said that while they could not comment specifically on the case “in general terms the type of personal circumstances being described would not preclude someone from becoming a foster carer”.
Mum-of-three Tracy, from Rumney, said: “I was a foster carer with an agency. Beforehand they do checks on you and find out if you’re suitable. I went before a panel and all my family and friends were interviewed. There was no stone unturned and it was approved in 2014.
“I went on to look after a few children. I decided to transfer from an agency to the local council and in doing so I told them that I didn’t drive and I had a placement that ended early. They said it was no problem.
“They found out I’m a survivor of sexual abuse and experienced violence. Because of that they decided not to go ahead with my process. They said I’m not the type of foster carer that they were looking for.
“I’ve had my issues in the past. But I brought three children up on my own and have five grandchildren.
“I don’t see any reason for them to say I can’t foster because of these issues.”
When she was informed of the decision Tracy received a letter from the council, dated March 9 last year, saying she had been turned down because there were “too many issues for an assessment to proceed”.
Tracy replied and asked them to clarify the reasons. In a letter dated March 30 the council said the decision not to proceed was
made because “you are unable to drive; and to date, have made little progress in this area. An ability to provide transport would be essential when looking after younger children.”
They added that other factors for the decision included: “Observations by staff that you were unable to regulate your emotions appropriately during visits.
“A lack of understanding of professional boundaries.”
And: “A lack of demonstrated insight into the impact of domestic violence on families.”
But Tracy also claims she was told verbally that it was also because of her past with abuse that she was turned down, although that was never confirmed in writing and the council deny this ever occurred.
For Tracy she feels like her past has made her a stronger person.
“I’m not a broken shell,” she said.
“I felt it was unfair that my past, which is out of my control and which I was not to blame for, was being held against me.
“I’m disgusted with them. I can’t take away what happened but I’m pretty tough.
“I think I’m a lot more empathetic and understanding than most people.
“I feel discriminated against for what happened to me.”
Despite what happened, Tracy still wants to help children in need.
“I still want to foster,” she said. “I’ve got two empty bedrooms.”
A Cardiff council spokesman said: “We are not able to comment on individual cases due to confidentiality.
“In general terms the type of personal circumstances being described would not preclude someone from becoming a foster carer.
“The ability to drive is a consideration when carers have asked to look after a young child where private transport is essential to get them to school, which might be in another part of the city, or it is needed to attend contact meetings.
“Each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Our looked-after children are precious to us and we have a robust selection policy which is in the best interests of the children, ensuring that the placement meets their needs.”
They found out I’m a survivor of sexual abuse and experienced violence. Because of that they decided not to go ahead with my process. They said I’m not the type of foster carer that they were looking for.