Case studies: Paul and Ryan

The Family

Paul and Ryan are 10-year-old twins. Their parents, Laura and John, separated when they were 2 years old. Until last year they lived full time with Laura. However both boys were on the child protection register due to their mother’s inconsistent parenting, long-term mental ill health and heavy alcohol use. The children had also witnessed domestic violence by Laura’s subsequent partners. There had been sporadic contact with their father since John and Laura separated, often dependent on Laura’s mental health. There were prolonged periods of time when their mother stopped contact. The family had been involved with social services for several years, with Laura and the boys receiving support from the family centre and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.

The Referral

The family were initially referred to the Support Care scheme as Laura was struggling to cope. Paul and Ryan were constantly fighting and she was isolated and lacked a supportive network of her own. The social worker felt it was crucial to put additional support in place to avert Care Proceedings. She has succeeded in establishing regular contact with their father, but it was felt more was needed. The situation however changed very quickly. Whilst the children were staying with John for the weekend, Laura’s mental health deteriorated and an incident led to hospitalisation. The local authority was granted an Emergency Protection Order and subsequently an Interim Care Order, placing Paul and Ryan with their father.

The Support Care Placement

John’s lifestyle changed dramatically overnight. The Support Care placement, initially intended to support Laura was continued to support John with the transition. Michelle, the Support Carer, looked after Paul and Ryan one weekend a month for 9 months. Michelle helped Paul and Ryan make friends locally and worked closely with John, helping to boost his confidence with parenting and address the boys’ eating habits, sleeping routine and relationship with each other. She also introduced John to local support networks such as playgroups and holiday schemes.

The Outcome

The social worker continued to work with John supporting him in court to apply for a Residence Order, which was granted in April. The Support Care placement continued until the end of September ensuring support continued through the school holidays and for a short time while the boys settled into a new school locally.

"The placement had been extremely successful, seeing John, Paul and Ryan through a very difficult time and a huge life change. The boys have really benefited."
Social worker

"Its been such a blessing... I’ve got all the help I asked for and more. I would have struggled immensely without the help… Michelle has been brilliant and a real support through all the assessment process for court. Knowing you can have a weekend out takes the pressure off and then you can manage again. I’m really grateful for the help."
John (father)

The Costs

Support Care placement (1 x per month over 9 months)
Carer’s fees + equipment (£250 for bed & bedding) = £1,550
Compared with potential costs of local authority foster care for twins = approx £1,500 pw.