Azariah's story: 'I felt listened to, not judged and was spoken to with respect'

I was a care-experienced young person caring for my two young children with no children’s services involvement. I was always terrified of our family becoming the subject of a referral.

But I had to make my own referral to children’s services when the relationship between my additional needs son and his father deteriorated because of his father’s arrest. I had no knowledge of these offences, as we were not living together.

I was concerned about the implications of his alleged crimes, but more importantly, the emotional impact on our son. I was incredibly anxious because of my history with social care, so I contacted the Family Rights Group for advice.

I felt listened to, not judged, and was spoken to with respect. The adviser helped me to balance the concerns versus the protective factors I could provide to my son. I was reminded that I had been transparent and asked for help and advice. She said that because of my previous experiences, it was understandable that I might be re-triggered, but I should discuss this with professionals who should understand, especially as I was prioritising the safeguarding of my son.

I was given tips to enable me to work practically with children’s services in a solution-based way and was able to support my son with understanding why contact had to stop. We oversaw how my son was doing during this transition period collaboratively, and most importantly, children’s services did not escalate past early help, closing the case within two months.