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"No support and no returned calls"

About: James Street Family Resource Centre

(as a parent/guardian),

Referred my son to have a social worker due to his behaviour and absconding seeking support. Fast forward a year and he's had three different social workers. The first met him once before him being left unallocated. The second met him twice. On the second visit after me explaining he had been threatening suicide told me he would again be unallocated as they were going away, promising a letter would be sent to expedite his adhd referral. This was never done. This was followed up by myself and an extern worker who has been the only good support we have had. Third social worker has met him three times.

My son has apparently had the edge of care team supporting us for a year, this has not happened, the staff member met my son once. Never followed through and most certainly have not had this support. I've rang seeking support due to my son using cannabis and going missing on a regular basis with police continuously searching for him. This is worrying and stressful.

When the allocated social worker was off we spoke to the duty on three occasions.  Who said the senior would call back. Apparently there are no records of these calls and the allocated social worker was never passed this information. No referrals to support with his drug use. No support and no returned calls. I think this is appalling, a family looking support to a teenage boy but it feels as this is not a child protection case and that I contacted a social worker myself for support they do not want to know. 

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Responses

Response from Joanne Garrett, Head of Service for Family Support, Children Services and Social Work, South Eastern HSC Trust last month
Joanne Garrett
Head of Service for Family Support, Children Services and Social Work,
South Eastern HSC Trust
Submitted on 15/10/2025 at 14:49
Published on Care Opinion at 14:49


Good afternoon snowzc36,

My name is Joanne Garrett and I am the Head of Service for Family Support. Firstly I want to apologise for the experience you and your son have encountered at a time when you needed support. I would be really keen to discuss your concerns with you to then allow me to determine why this has happened, but also ensure that we are identifying what support your family needs now. You can contact me on 02891818518 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm). If I am out of the office please leave a message with our receptionist and be assured I will phone you back.

Many thanks and hope to speak to you soon.

Joanne Garrett

Head of Service for Family Support

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