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Why?

The day after our daughter Lizzie turned eighteen, she was taken from outside her home. Lincolnshire Police threatened us with arrest if we didn’t let her go. Why?

Lizzie wanted to stay in touch with loved ones, but Coral took her phone and replaced it with one that had none of her key contacts – including our numbers. Why?

Lizzie texted me asking to go for a walk. Coral said no. Social Services backed her. Why?

Despite repeated offers, Social Services have never once met with us. Why?

Social Services failed to follow proper guidance for assessing individuals with complex conditions like FASD. No specialists were consulted. No lived experience was considered. Why?

Humberside Police ignored statutory procedures for investigating coercive and controlling behaviour. Why?

The last time Jane and I saw Lizzie was Christmas Eve 2023. We gave her gifts and saw signs of self-harm. We hugged, exchanged “I love yous” – and haven’t seen her since. Why?

By their own admission, Humberside Police haven’t asked a single formal question about Lizzie’s isolation and control. Why?

Their ‘Professional Standards Department’ flatly refused to review the detailed evidence we submitted about the coercive behaviour Lizzie has faced. Why?

I submitted Subject Access Requests to Social Services and Humberside Police – requests that are my legal right. Both refused to respond. Why?

These are just some of the many unanswered questions. I won’t stop pushing for resolution, accountability and the truth. I will never stop fighting for Lizzie’s right to live free from coercion, fear and exploitation.

What parent would?

Mother’s Day

This past Mother’s Day was another silent heartbreak. In 2024 (as shared in podcast episode 18), Lizzie wanted to see Jane. She tried to make plans, but they were cruelly sabotaged by Coral. That family went to a Rage Room instead.

This year, we don’t even know what Lizzie did. We haven’t heard from her in over five months. We’re blocked. No messages. Nothing.

Linkage College

Though the initial investigation outcome claimed our complaint wasn’t upheld, the matter is far from over. The case remains open and active, with promising momentum.

I can’t disclose everything, but phase one of the inquiry sparked serious follow-up questions rather than closing things down.

These investigations take time. And while they unfold, Lizzie forgets us. She forgets herself. She believes we’ve abandoned her – but we haven’t. I’ve fought for her every day since July 21^st 2023.

The investigator at Linkage Community Trust knows I’m committed to making sure no other family endures this nightmare. I trust they are pursuing the truth, despite internal resistance.

Melanie Onn MP

I’m hoping to meet with Melanie Onn MP and her caseworker on Saturday, April 12th. All your incredible letters have been passed to them. I hope they’ve read and taken to heart the testimony and love behind every word.

These letters are proof: Lizzie is loved. And people are baffled that such a situation could happen – and be condoned by the very institutions meant to protect.

North East Lincolnshire Council

Huge thanks to FASD Hub for their sharp and powerful advocacy. In Lizzie’s case, the key is cutting through lies and obfuscation.

Their letters to the Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council expose the smoke and mirrors of misdirection. I believe the Council, the Safeguarding Adults Board, and Focus – their appointed delivery body – just want the questions to stop.

But there’s only one way forward: meet with me. Explain how they’ll fix the catastrophic decisions they’ve made. And show how they’ll protect Lizzie going forward.

In Conclusion

I’m thankful for everyone standing with us. This fight is for Lizzie, yes, but also for every vulnerable young person like her.

This is about challenging the indifference of a system that allows, condones and even participates in the exploitation of cognitively impaired young adults.

This has to stop.

Thank you all.

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Thank you for reading. If you have any insights, comments or advice, please feel free to add them below.