Mum with autism killed herself hours after finding out baby might be placed for adoption

A mum took her own life hours after being told her six-month-old baby might be placed for adoption, an inquest has found.

Fern Foster, 22, died on July 8, 2020, after an email sent to her partner by his solicitor outlined the news that their 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 inquest which concluded this week, found that a lack of an independent advocate on a regular, consistent and continuous basis contributed to Fern's decision to take her own life. The court heard that Fern, from Monks Risborough, Bucks, was diagnosed with autism at 15 and struggled to get the support she needed, often using 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 that Fern, who aspired to become an English teacher, 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.

The inquest heard that 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 that 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.

The court heard how Fern needed help at a much earlier stage from an independent advocate who could help her understand and engage with professionals. This was the single largest reasonable adjustment that could have been made to support Fern’s needs.

Fern had previously indicated intentions of taking her own life were her child to be adopted, and the court heard that the manner in which plans indicating adoption were communicated to her was a key trigger for Fern’s actions. No communication plan had been put in place and Fern became aware of the news via an email sent to her partner by his solicitor.

Fern’s family describe her as bright, kind, caring and conscientious and someone who left a lasting impression with everyone she met.

Fern’s sister 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. Mothers who face their children being removed should be supported, especially autistic mothers, as autistic women have a 13 times higher risk of death by suicide.

"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."

“We believe that the lack of understanding and acceptance of autism in women and girls significantly contributed to the poor care that Fern received. She was diagnosed late, repeatedly labelled with a personality disorder that she did not have, and the stigma around this led to her being harmed. Fern was open about her suicidality, yet she was not taken seriously.

"The misdiagnosis of personality disorders must end, as must the punitive and dangerous culture of care which comes alongside them. Finally, we feel that the right of autistic parents to access the support they deserve is not adequately protected in policy or law. It is imperative that this changes and that autistic parents are protected in future.”

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.”