TV presenter Kirstie Allsopp recently revealed that she had been contacted by social services after allowing her 15-year-old son to go on an interrailing trip across Europe with a friend. Despite not breaking any laws, Allsopp was shocked to find out that a file had been opened on her son due to child protection concerns raised by an unknown source.
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC), Allsopp’s local council, confirmed that they take all referrals seriously and have a statutory responsibility for children under 18 years of age. The social worker handling the case questioned the safeguards in place for the trip and informed Allsopp that the file on her son could remain open for future investigations.
Allsopp defended her decision to allow her son to go on the trip, stating that in today’s risk-averse world, it is important to give children the confidence that comes from trusting them. She received mixed reactions online, with some criticizing her for the decision while others praised her for letting her son experience new things and gain independence.
Overall, Kirstie Allsopp stands by her choice and encourages parents to find ways to trust their children and allow them to explore the world. She believes that letting go can help children grow and gain valuable experiences that will benefit them in the long run.
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