Allow parents in strategy meetings when abuse is suspected within education or care
Allow parents in strategy meetings when abuse is suspected within education or care
The Issue
PLEASE REMEMBER TO CLICK THE LINK IN YOUR EMAIL OR YOUR SIGNATURE WON'T COUNT XX
In 2023, my son, who is autistic and has severe learning disabilities along with limited speech, reported to me that he was being physically abused in the homes at his residential school. Upon reporting this abuse, I was informed that a strategy meeting would be held amongst the professionals involved with my son's care. This meeting included his social worker, LADO, the police, and staff from the residential school where the abuse occurred. However, I, as his Mum, was not allowed to attend this crucial meeting.
Upon reflection of the main factors that prevented my son's abusers being held accountable, the strategy meeting was largely responsible.
This exclusion is alarming and unjust. Parents, especially those of young people with special needs, must be integral participants in strategy meetings concerning their child's welfare, especially in cases involving serious allegations like abuse. Excluding parents (family carers) not only sidelines the most invested advocates for the young person but also impedes the transparency and accountability required in handling such distressing situations.
Current protocols often prevent parents from attending these important discussions, thereby diminishing the opportunity for parental input and oversight. With children like my son, who have limited communication abilities, the advocacy and perspective of parents become even more vital. Without parental involvement, crucial insights into the child's behaviour and needs may be overlooked, which can adversely affect the investigation and resolution of abuse allegations.
Strategy meetings rules state parents are not to attend, as the strategy meeting is designed for professionals to come together to discuss cases of abuse that they believe are being committed by the parents. However, the rules still stand when staff within a school, care homes or residential facility are suspected abuse. The school was represented at the meeting, meaning that the results of the meeting were biased. Information obtained from a subject access request has also shown that my son was misquoted and false information was submitted from staff that I was not there to object to.
As I was forbidden from attending, the investigation was quickly dismissed as my son being fed information, despite him having given all the information about his abuse by himself without us being aware the abuse was taking place. Imagine how this system works for people who cannot speak at all!
It is imperative to implement a change in policy that allows parents to be present at strategy meetings where their child's welfare and safety are at stake. Parental involvement does not mean derailing the process, but rather enhancing it by contributing valuable insights and firsthand observations about their children. It also enables those who know the child best to describe there use of speech and alternative communication, including communication through behaviour.
I urge the authorities and policymakers in the education and social care sectors to revise current protocols and permit parental attendance in strategy meetings. By doing so, we ensure a holistic approach to safeguarding children, uphold transparency, and maintain a strong line of communication between professionals and parents.
Please support this petition to ensure that no parent is left in the dark about their child's safety and welfare and to ensure the process is no longer discriminatory to those with limited or no speech. Allowing parents to be part of strategy meetings is not just a policy adjustment but a necessary step towards a more inclusive and effective safeguarding process and to stop the ease at which abuse of the vulnerable is dismissed without accountability.
We call for parents/ guardians, a trusted family member or deputy to be allowed to attend strategy meetings to be the voice of their loved one when concerns of abuse or neglect are raised within a residential special school, special school, care home or supported living facility.
Sign this petition to demand change now.
Please continue to support our work for change in care industry by visiting us at:
You can also contact us at: thesavefoundation@proton.me/ 01322 414813
443
The Issue
PLEASE REMEMBER TO CLICK THE LINK IN YOUR EMAIL OR YOUR SIGNATURE WON'T COUNT XX
In 2023, my son, who is autistic and has severe learning disabilities along with limited speech, reported to me that he was being physically abused in the homes at his residential school. Upon reporting this abuse, I was informed that a strategy meeting would be held amongst the professionals involved with my son's care. This meeting included his social worker, LADO, the police, and staff from the residential school where the abuse occurred. However, I, as his Mum, was not allowed to attend this crucial meeting.
Upon reflection of the main factors that prevented my son's abusers being held accountable, the strategy meeting was largely responsible.
This exclusion is alarming and unjust. Parents, especially those of young people with special needs, must be integral participants in strategy meetings concerning their child's welfare, especially in cases involving serious allegations like abuse. Excluding parents (family carers) not only sidelines the most invested advocates for the young person but also impedes the transparency and accountability required in handling such distressing situations.
Current protocols often prevent parents from attending these important discussions, thereby diminishing the opportunity for parental input and oversight. With children like my son, who have limited communication abilities, the advocacy and perspective of parents become even more vital. Without parental involvement, crucial insights into the child's behaviour and needs may be overlooked, which can adversely affect the investigation and resolution of abuse allegations.
Strategy meetings rules state parents are not to attend, as the strategy meeting is designed for professionals to come together to discuss cases of abuse that they believe are being committed by the parents. However, the rules still stand when staff within a school, care homes or residential facility are suspected abuse. The school was represented at the meeting, meaning that the results of the meeting were biased. Information obtained from a subject access request has also shown that my son was misquoted and false information was submitted from staff that I was not there to object to.
As I was forbidden from attending, the investigation was quickly dismissed as my son being fed information, despite him having given all the information about his abuse by himself without us being aware the abuse was taking place. Imagine how this system works for people who cannot speak at all!
It is imperative to implement a change in policy that allows parents to be present at strategy meetings where their child's welfare and safety are at stake. Parental involvement does not mean derailing the process, but rather enhancing it by contributing valuable insights and firsthand observations about their children. It also enables those who know the child best to describe there use of speech and alternative communication, including communication through behaviour.
I urge the authorities and policymakers in the education and social care sectors to revise current protocols and permit parental attendance in strategy meetings. By doing so, we ensure a holistic approach to safeguarding children, uphold transparency, and maintain a strong line of communication between professionals and parents.
Please support this petition to ensure that no parent is left in the dark about their child's safety and welfare and to ensure the process is no longer discriminatory to those with limited or no speech. Allowing parents to be part of strategy meetings is not just a policy adjustment but a necessary step towards a more inclusive and effective safeguarding process and to stop the ease at which abuse of the vulnerable is dismissed without accountability.
We call for parents/ guardians, a trusted family member or deputy to be allowed to attend strategy meetings to be the voice of their loved one when concerns of abuse or neglect are raised within a residential special school, special school, care home or supported living facility.
Sign this petition to demand change now.
Please continue to support our work for change in care industry by visiting us at:
You can also contact us at: thesavefoundation@proton.me/ 01322 414813
443
The Decision Makers
Petition created on 7 January 2026