An autistic mother took her own life hours after being told her six-month-old baby could be put up for adoption, an inquest has heard.
Fern Foster, 22, died on July 8, 2020, after an email sent by her lawyer to her partner described the news that their son could be adopted.
Fern’s baby had been placed in foster care almost a month after his birth, in January 2020, after the support Fern’s family believed she was entitled to was not implemented.
The investigation which concluded yesterday found that the lack of an independent advocate on a regular, consistent and ongoing basis contributed to Fern’s decision to take her life.
Fern Foster, 22, died on July 8, 2020, after an email sent by her lawyer to her partner described the news that their son could be adopted.
Buckinghamshire’s chief coroner, Crispin Butler, concluded that the lack of an independent advocate and the way in which the news of Fern’s son’s adoption was communicated to him contributed more than minimally to his decision to end his own life.
The court heard that Fern, of Monks Risborough, Bucks, was diagnosed with autism at the age of 15 and struggled to get the support she needed, often using self-harm as a way of communicating her distress.
Fern discovered she was pregnant on July 25, 2019 and soon after, Buckinghamshire Children’s Services became involved.
The court heard that Fern, who aspired to become an English teacher, was overjoyed when she discovered she was pregnant and the news changed her outlook on life.
While she was pregnant, and up until the time her child was taken from her, she did not self-harm or engage in any other behavior that would put her or her baby at risk.
She listened as Fern had described the process that ultimately led to her son being removed from her care as a “runaway train.”
Buckinghamshire’s chief coroner, Crispin Butler, gave a narrative conclusion and recorded the cause of death as suicide.
He added that the lack of an independent advocate and the way in which the news indicating the adoption of Fern’s son was communicated to him contributed more than minimally to his decision to end his own life.
The court heard how Fern needed help at a much earlier stage from an independent advocate who could help her understand and interact with professionals.
This was the largest reasonable adjustment that could have been made to meet Fern’s needs.
Fern had previously indicated her intentions to take her own life if her child was adopted, and the court heard that the way 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 learned the news through an email sent to her partner by her lawyer.
Fern’s family describe her as bright, kind, thoughtful and conscientious and someone who left a lasting impression on everyone she met.
Fern’s sister Rowan said: “We are pleased that the lack of advocacy provided in Fern’s care and the inappropriate provision of the proposed care plan for adoption which the local authority had submitted have been recognized as the causes of death. by Fern.
‘Mothers facing separation from their children, especially autistic mothers, should be supported, as autistic women have a 13 times higher risk of death by suicide.
“It is tragic that there was never a clear plan to help Fern become 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 over the edge. “This was no way to treat a vulnerable, disabled, new mother.”
‘We believe that a lack of understanding and acceptance of autism in women and girls contributed significantly to the poor care Fern received.
‘She was diagnosed late, repeatedly labeled with a personality disorder she did not have, and the stigma around this led to harm.
‘Fern spoke openly about her suicidal tendencies, but she was not taken seriously.
‘The misdiagnosis of personality disorders must end, as does the punitive and dangerous culture of care that accompanies them.
‘Finally, we believe that the right of autistic parents to access the support they deserve is not adequately protected in either policy or law. “It is imperative that this changes and that autistic parents are protected in the future.”
Caleb Bawdon, a solicitor from Leigh Day who represented the family, said: “Fern’s family welcome the coroner’s conclusion, which recognizes that she was very disappointed before her death.”
‘It is approaching four years since Fern’s death, but her family have been clear from the beginning about the difference that access to an independent defense would have made to the outcome.
“It is a testament to the strength and courage of his family during this time that the coroner now agrees with them, and they are grateful for the care and consideration he took in conducting his inquest.”
