Care Leavers' Association

I contacted Bradford Social Services with regard to my personal records from 1970 to 1975. It took almost seven months but I did eventually recieve them. In my case I found it interesting to read comments and reports from the powers that were, and to be honest, quite amusing at times, though I must say I have a wierd sense of humour.

I'm not normally prone to offering people unsolicited advice, ( It's your life, you do as you wish with it,) however in these circumstances, if you are sending off for your records, I would suggest, even if you think you know what's coming, that you are in the right frame of mind to read them. You may be saddened, angered, amused or confused. I know people my age (51) who get the right hump over an old school report, who knows how they would feel if they could read what some family members, social worker or pshyciatrist actualy thought of them. I found it was on a par with, 'Evesdroppers seldom hear good of themselves.' One may also find that those lost lost emotions and fears, the ones you put away a long time ago, can come flooding back, so please, be perpared. If this subject has been covered before then I apologize for repeating it.

For those you whose life in care was good, I'm genuinely happy for you. For those who's experience was not so good, or worse, I wish you all the best for the future and hope you are now in a, 'Good' place. As for me, I'm happy, sane, (ok that's questionable) and I am on the last chapter of a book I'm writing about my 'Care' experiences. The preverbial will soon hit the fan. Good luck to you all.

Chris

WOW! I'm 51 and was put into care when i was just 8 months old left care 1977! I have just got my files from Bristol City Council. It's fascinating,intriguing,jaw dropping, no anger but a little sadness. It was like going back in time and being a fly on the wall !!
I recommend it but only if you feel your strong enough mentally and remember no one is perfect.

Response to Chris

I have also contacted Bradford social services, three times now asking for my files and they tell me each time they have no files as they have been mis-placed.

The second time of asking they did send me a little information they say they had found in another department - however, all that has done is leave even bigger blanks than I had memory wise before asking for the file.

I too am referring to time in Bradford social care from the early 1970s (1972 - 1974).

They tell me they do not destroy their files, not for 70 years anyway. The lady I spoke, who was most sympathetic told me they will have been mis-placed over time and there would be no way of finding them.

As you have managed to get access to your file in reference refer to a similar time period, could I ask; who did you approach at Bradford?

May be I was speaking to the wrong people - I spoke to the 'Children’s Initial Contact Point' staff.

Cheers
Nerrad

Hi Nerrad, I recieved my files from Department of Services to Children and Young People, Town Hall, Bow Street, Keighley, West Yorks, BD21 3PA TEL: 01535 618123.
I hope this helps, and good luck with your search.
Chris

cheers Chris i will follow this up and se if it gets me anywhere

I have also contacted Bradford social services, three times now asking for my files and they tell me each time they have no files as they have been mis-placed. tks.

Personally Christian I would not accept that as an excuse. If they actualy said, 'they have no files as they have been mis-placed,' I would contact them again and say if they have been misplaced that does not mean they don't have them, it simply means they cannot find them. I would respectfully request they make it clear to you, do they have them somewhere or not? One other thought, were you at any time subsequent to Bradford under the care of, or have any dealings with a different Authority, your records may have been passed on to them.

Hi, Nice idea,
good things, There are many people searching about that,now they will find enough sources by your post.Careprost
We are looking forward for more details about that

just wondering if any 1 know the address of liverpool social services i was put into care at the age of 7-18, im trying to find my bith dad

I was delighted that files had been found on me. I had a lovely social worker sorting mine and preparing me for what i would read. I was forwarned that a lot was not good and also obviously fabricated. The worst thing i found was the the social services were aware that my home life was flawed from age 5 but nothing was done untilI was 11 years old. The abuse, mental and physical i had suffer from my mother mostly and father to keep mother happy did what she said. this was 1954-1961 I ended up completely malajusted and in an approved school where I was so happy and SAFE. St Euphrasias Troy Convent Monmouth. We have a closed facebook page and there are stringent regulations for entry. This school was my saviour. The files left me very bitter, the lies from momes to cover abuse but the last paragraph said 2I understand Jacky's brothers are both been before the courts and we now tend to believe she was always blamed for her brothers behaviour. Now I'm 61 and disabled Social Work now let me down yet again by not supporting me.