Buckinghamshire Council's lack of support has been recognised as a contributing factor to the tragic death of young Fern Foster, her family has confirmed.

Fern, 22, who was described as "bright, kind, caring and conscientious," was profoundly affected by the authority's proposed actions regarding motherhood and her care, according to sister Rowan.

A three week inquest into her death concluded at Beaconsfield Coroners Court on Thursday, April 18. The coroner ruled a lack of independent advocacy contributed to Fern taking her own life after her baby was taken into care.

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Her 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," she added.

Rowan mentioned that the family had emphasised the need for proper advocacy and autism training in Fern's case.

Rowan added: "Despite these requests, Buckinghamshire Council failed to address Fern’s autism with compassion and understanding, causing emotional turmoil that ultimately led to her death.

"We continue to believe that, in refusing to provide the advocacy, support and the reasonable adjustments Fern was entitled to, Buckinghamshire Council cost Fern her life and a baby her mother.

"With the right support, Fern would have become a wonderful mother." 

The Fosters believe Fern’s experience underscores the perpetuating misunderstanding of autism in girls and women.

"Her late diagnosis and mislabelled personality disorder added to her struggles.

"This systematic misdiagnosis and so-called damaging 'culture of care' must be resolved for the well-being of autistic individuals", the family urged.

"We believe that the lack of understanding and acceptance of autism in women and girls significantly contributed to the poor care that Fern received," Fern's sister asserted.

Lawyers Merry Varney, Caleb Bawdon from Leigh Day, and Sam Jacobs from Doughty Street chambers represent Fern's family.

Caleb Bawdon from Leigh Day’s Human Rights team, commented on the case, stating, "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."