Been reflecting on this a lot over the weekend. By far not the first time it has happened and it's sad, but I don't think it will be the last. Hostility and 'everyday bordering' is a very common thing in children's services across the board. 1 of ?? https://twitter.com/TwMCuk/status/1319703357603328003

Hostile environment policies are there, in my view, to do 2 things. Firstly, to make life uncomfortable for migrants in the UK and second, to turn people into 'shadow border guards' such as by the right to rent, NHS charging, social care requirements and so on...

The effect of this creates hostility in our services. More importantly, it creates fear of services and it is a very real fear. This means that ultimately people don't seek help often. It means that their and their children's suffering is often prolonged to such an extent...

that people come to charities aswell at the last possible minute. Many charities have been implicit with the hostile environment and it is by no means a safe sector. From arrangements of commission for return, working with immigration enforcement and so on.

It also does something to individuals working within particularly statutory services it would seem. A kind of mindset where it becomes ok and routine to inflict acts of state violence on people. With an almost uncritical view of the harm policy has on individuals and families.

A few things need to happen. People who work in services impacted by the hostile environment need to start challenging at a local and national level. Not taking it, standing up and being brave in their defiance of these policies. If everyone did it, it wouldn't be so risky.

Everyone needs to show people that these policies won't be tolerated. At present, it is a relatively small and close knit sector who are the main, unifying voice on these issues.

The wider professionals need to go back and start with the values of their varied professions.

Professional bodies need to call this stuff out and support their members to provide a robust challenge to harmful and violent policies, whatever it may be. Instead of trying to appease central government. We need to stand alongside those harmed and enable their voice to be heard

I fear that until there is a collective resistance - Children will continue to be threatened with care, babies left homeless, children left in extreme poverty and families too scared to seek any kind of support.