The public figure Bonnie Blue has recently publicised her unverified plans surrounding her pregnancy, including how she claims she became pregnant and her plans for an unconventional baby shower. There has been considerable discussion online about her personal life and the choices she claims she is making.
Regardless of whether these plans are true, it has sparked a number of questions from the public, many asking the same question, ‘Can a pregnant woman’s behaviour lead to concerns from Social Services leading to involvement of the Local Authority?’ The answer to this is yes.
Professionals such as midwives, doctors, health visitors and social workers have a duty to consider the welfare of a child, including babies who are not yet born. If a parent is engaging in risky behaviours during the pregnancy, it may trigger a safeguarding assessment. There are concerns of Bonnie Blue, related to alleged risky behaviours that include a high level of sexual activity with many different individuals, where protective precautions are not being taken, which could impact the health of the unborn baby. However, there are many concerns that could trigger a safeguarding assessment, such as, but not limited to:
- Misuse of drugs and alcohol during pregnancy.
- Risky behaviours that impact the welfare of the mother or unborn baby, including unsafe sexual activities.
- Domestic Abuse within a household.
- Mental Health or Learning difficulties that affect a parent’s ability to care for a baby.
- Violent or criminal behaviour that may place a child at risk.
- Refusal to engage with medical care where there are significant concerns, including antenatal care or midwifery services.
- Living arrangements that are unsafe for a baby.
Having a single concern, does not automatically mean a baby will be removed from a parent. Professionals will usually seek to understand the wider circumstances and provide support, wherever possible. When professionals have concerns about an unborn baby’s welfare, they will usually conduct a Pre-Birth Assessment.
What is a Pre-Birth Assessment?
A Pre-Birth Assessment is conducted during pregnancy when there are concerns that an unborn or newborn baby may be at risk of harm, to establish whether a parent needs additional support to safely care for their child. It assesses all potential risks, whether a parent is able to make any necessary changes, and determines what support or intervention is necessary. This assessment usually takes place as soon as possible during the pregnancy, but ideally between weeks 12 – 20. The goal of the assessment is to give the expectant parent enough time and support for them the care for their baby, whilst ensuring that the baby is safeguarded.
There are many outcomes of this assessment, including:
- No additional action. The assessment concludes that the parent’s existing support network and early help services are sufficient.
- Child in Need Plan. Identifying specific services such as housing support, mental health services, support with substance misuse, parenting programmes.
- Child Protection Plan. When risks are significant but considered manageable, conferences will take place to monitor the family and safeguard the child.
- Court Proceedings. In cases where the risk to the baby are deemed high and it is considered that it is not safe for the baby to remain with a parent, the Local Authority may initiate Court proceedings to seek a Supervision or Care Order, including alternative care arrangements for the baby, which could include them being placed with a family member or in foster care.
Removal at birth is one of the most serious courses of action a Court will take and usually only considered as a last resort. For this to happen, there must usually be strong evidence that a baby has suffered or be at risk of suffering significant harm if left in the care of a parent or parents.
When public figures become pregnant, their lives often attract intense scrutiny. However, child welfare decisions are not based on social media criticism, public opinion or media headlines. Local Authorities and the Court will focus on evidence, and the main priority, the baby’s welfare.
Whether discussing Bonnie Blue or any expectant parent, it is important for professionals to distinguish between online speculation, fabricated events and genuine safeguarding concerns.
Ultimately, behaviours that expose a baby to serious risk, including those of a sexual nature that could lead to health risks to the baby, may lead to professionals, the Local Authority and the Court to become involved.
We at Johnson Astills know involvement with social services can be frightening. If you are being affected by any of the above, please get in touch with Johnson Astills to see how we can assist. Please call us at our office in Leicester on 0116 255 4855 or our office in Loughborough on 01509 610 312 and ask to speak to a member of the Care Team. Alternatively, you may prefer to email us at legal@johnsonastills.com or fill in our enquiry form.
