Somebody Else's Problem Fields

Douglas Adams helpfully observed that difficult things can be “disappeared” through the application of SEP (somebody else’s problem field). Jimmy Johnstone’s moving article about his family being ignored and left at risk from a vulnerable and distressed foster child re-echoes in the lives of foster, adoptive, and special guardianship families across our country on a daily basis. The accelerating neglect of children’s services in a country preoccupied with Brexit, and increasingly contemptuous of the regulations that keep things safe, leaves these brave and persevering folk feeling “disappeared” and with nowhere to turn. The tragedy that follows, is one in which all participants are designated as problems, and the spirit of generosity and love, essential to repair the lives of children who did not choose their complicated histories, is undermined. At this moment, I am aware of clinicians continuing to work with families when arrangements to pay them have broken down. Last week in a desperate and unguarded moment a social worker told me “there is no system, we can’t help children”. Systems and support depend on people noticing and working together to protect against SEPs. Thank you for publishing a reminder to notice, which might help sustain love, generosity and hope in these troubled times.