Mum told daughter could be taken into care if she doesn't take away her toys

By Matt Johnson

matt.johnson@essnmedia.co.uk

A mother is distraught after being told her disabled daughter could be taken into care if she does not take away her collection of toys.

Maureen Wright was sent a letter by the council telling her to make "significant adjustments" to the way she looked after daughter Michelle.

Among these adjustments was an order to move Michelle's collection of soft toys out of reach in case she "ingests fibres".

She was also told to be more accommodating to her daughter's three full time carers, who spend up to 21 hours a day with Michelle, 38, who suffers from genetic condition Cri du Chat syndrome.

The letter was sent by the team leader of the council's joint community learning disability team, Linda Lines.

In the letter Ms Lines wrote: "I am aware that you are keen for Michelle to remain living at home.

"This is something that the local authority will support provided Michelle's care needs are being fully met.

"In the event that Michelle's needs are not fully met we have been advised to make an application to the Court of Protection, which may result in Michelle being moved to residential accommodation.

"Unless significant adjustments are made now ... it is likely that she will have to be moved into residential care."

Maureen, 65, says the letter has left her feeling like a bad mother, despite providing many years of loving care for her daughter.

It also asked her to ensure Michelle is fed a varied diet including fresh vegetables - even though Maureen claims she already does this.

She said: "I'm extremely angry and very upset. I just don't know what to do about it.

"Of course I don't want Michelle to go into care but if they keep writing me letters and making demands I don't know how I can keep up with it."

She says she will abide by the council's demands but has been left distraught at the insinuation she is not providing her daughter with everything she needs.

Maureen, of Queens Road, Thornton Heath, said: "Michelle is so happy at home. She wouldn't survive in care.

"She's 38 now and I've been looking after her since she was born.

"I know what to do. I'm her mother."

A spokeswoman for Croydon Council defended the letter being sent out.

She said: "The council has a responsibility to safeguard the wellbeing of all disabled people living at home with carers and this is always our number one priority.

"We have been working closely with Mrs Wright and her daughter to ensure that Michelle's welfare and wellbeing comes first in any decisions or changes as regards her care."