"Domestic abuse, pregnancy, drug misuse and social services"

I fell pregnant in may 2025, I was very scared and worried about this as I was in a very domestic violent relationship and I was also using substances. I tried to keep myself clean throughout the pregnancy, I have no friends or family around me so this was very difficult, I was also very isolated because my partner was very controlling, he would not allow me make friends or have anyone involved to help me.

Social services got involved and really tried to help me break away from this relationship but I seen this as them trying to control my life and take my baby, my boyfriend told me they were the enemy, CGL also tried to help but again I did not listen I was so scared.

About 8 weeks before I had my baby I decided to leave my partner, his abuse just became so much and I really felt alone, I was so stressed everyday and scared to even go to the shop because this man would follow me and not leave me alone, I was truly living in fear, I was clean but I then relapsed a day before my son was born, I had come down with an awful bug so I was rushed to hospital and I had to have a C-section.

My ex-partner arrived after the C-section and he verbally abused me, threatened my life and my son's life who was born premature at 27 weeks so he was fighting everyday for his life, he also smashed my phone, he was asked to leave and I plucked up the courage to call the police they were so supportive and lovely I gave a statement and my ex had now been in prison ever since my son was born. I would not of been able to have the courage if it was not for the support of the hospital staff and the police at the time.

Social services put my son into foster because of the domestic abusive relationship and the drug misuse, but they offered to refer me to FDAC, which is a programme to help me become the best mother I can for my son and so he can return to my care in a couple of months, I accepted this help and ever since my son has been born I have been clean from drugs, and I've been making all my appointments. The support I've had from the hospital, FDAC, social services and CGL has been nothing short of amazing, I really would not be where I am today if it was not for their support.

I see my son everyday since he's still in the hospital but he will be leaving with foster carers but again they will be keeping him safe until I complete the FDAC programme, I need to mention especially because my support worker is amazing, her support has has helped my recovery so much more possibly I'm open and honest with her about everything and I feel like a the world has been lifted from my shoulders. There is a lot of bad stories I hear about care workers, social services and the rest but honestly so far my experience has been a positive one. I really love my support system and I will continue to thrive with the help from all of them. I'm very lucky to be where I am today. I'll be forever grateful.