Family and Friends Forum

Social services

Notifications OFF

Confusedwife

Member since
October 2022

169 posts

Posted Mon October 31, 2022 10:11pmReport post

Hi, Iv just received an email from my SW inviting me to a teams meeting later this week. Does anyone know what a step down meeting is? There's so many other people who are also invited to this meeting and Iv no idea who they are, I feel really anxious about it.



my husband was arrested end July for iioc, bailed twice and now RUI. The SW did say last time I saw her she was going to close the case, but since my husband was RUI she's got back in contact.




I hate feeling like I'm judged as a parent!! Iv done nothing wrong but yet feel like I have.

Bryher

Member since
October 2022

13 posts

Posted Tue November 1, 2022 12:04amReport post

I'm pretty sure a step down meeting fits with closing the case/moving you down to a lower level of support (eg https://www.dcfp.org.uk/early-help/early-help-information-for-workers/step-down-to-early-help-from-childrens-social-care/). Maybe they're stepping you down but leaving you open with early help or something so that you can access some support? Or if eg children were on child protection before they could be stepped down to child in need.

scaredandconfused

Member since
June 2021

437 posts

Posted Tue November 1, 2022 7:53amReport post

I'm probably not going to be much help has I've never heard of it but are you on a CIN or CPP plan x

Confusedwife

Member since
October 2022

169 posts

Posted Tue November 1, 2022 9:13amReport post

Oh ok so it's probably a good thing then? We were never put on any plan, my SW said she didn't see the need to put us on any plan as she could see my girls were happy and looked after.



when I hear anything from my Sw I just panic and worry. It makes me so anxious.

scaredandconfused

Member since
June 2021

437 posts

Posted Tue November 1, 2022 10:14amReport post

Oh ok maybe they are looking at closing the case. My boys have been on a CIN plan for 17 months and there is never any sign of her closing the case and my oh is at magistrates today for plea so I think it will be open for a lot longer yet

Jayjay

Member since
December 2021

695 posts

Posted Wed November 2, 2022 7:23pmReport post

I think it's a positive thing maybe and a step closer to close the case? I know what you mean about the anxiety, every time I saw SW name on an email text or call I would panic.



feel free to email the SW and ask what a 'step down' meeti by us and who are all the people who are invited. You're well without your right and shows that you are not scared to ask questions.
good luck x

Confusedwife

Member since
October 2022

169 posts

Posted Thu November 3, 2022 9:49pmReport post

Hi, had my early help step down meeting today over teams, which I was quite glad as I don't think I can handle sitting face to face with my children's teachers, I felt so anxious throughout the whole thing!!! Especially when the sw spoke briefly about what my husband had done.



so Sw has stepped it down to early help, which is good I guess means I'll actually get some help with my youngest who is possibly asd and waiting to be referred.



sw says she won't be back involved unless I don't stick to the safety plan in place and leave our children alone with him, which I definitely will not. But now we have to have regular meetings with early help and school.



I feel like this part is the hardest part, feeling like I'm constantly judged as a parent having all these people judge whether or not I can protect my children.