An autistic mother died by suicide after being informed that her baby could be placed for adoption, according to an inquiry.
Fern Foster, 22, died on July 8, 2020, after an email sent to her partner by his solicitor said their six-month-old child might be adopted.
Fern’s baby had gone into foster care almost a month after she was born, in January 2020, after the support Fern’s family believe she was entitled to was not put into place.
The investigation found that the absence of a regular, consistent, and continuous independent advocate contributed to her choice to end her own life.
Fern, from Monks Risborough, Bucks, was diagnosed with autism at 15 and struggled to get the support she needed.
She often used self-harm as a way of communicating her distress.
Fern found out she was pregnant on 25 July 2019 and shortly after, Buckinghamshire Children’s Services became involved.
The court heard she was delighted when she found out she was pregnant, and the news changed her outlook on life.
While she was pregnant, and up to the point of her child being taken from her, she did not engage in any self-harming or other behaviour that would put her or her baby at risk.
It heard how Fern had described the process that ultimately led to her child being taken out of her care as a ‘runaway train’.
Senior Coroner for Bucks Crispin Butler gave a narrative conclusion, recording the cause of death as suicide.
He added the lack of an independent advocate and the way in which news indicating the adoption of Fern’s child was communicated to her was contributing more than minimally to her decision to end her own life.
Fern had indicated intentions of taking her own life if were her child was adopted, and the court heard the manner in which plans indicating adoption were communicated to her was a key trigger.
Her r Rowan said: ‘We are pleased that the lack of advocacy provided in Fern’s care, and the inappropriate delivery of the proposed care plan for adoption that the local authority had submitted, have been recognised as the causes of Fern’s death.
‘It is tragic that there was never a clear plan to support Fern to be a mother, nor to protect her safety when she was told that would not be possible.
‘These essential requirements were repeatedly ignored, inevitably pushing Fern to breaking point. This was no way to treat a vulnerable, disabled, first time mum.
‘Fern was open about her suicidality, yet she was not taken seriously.’
Caleb Bawdon, a Leigh Day solicitor who represented the family said: ‘Fern’s family welcome the coroner’s conclusion which acknowledges that she was badly let down before her death.
‘It is approaching four years since Fern’s death but her family have been clear from the very start about the difference that access to independent advocacy would have made to the outcome.
‘It is a testament to the strength and courage of her family during this time that the coroner has now agreed with them, and they are grateful for the care and consideration he took in conducting his investigation.'
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