A Vigil For Jonas

On Monday 3rd February 2014 a small group gathered with Jonas Stadden’s Mum and Dad outside Somerset County Council’s County hall building. For 4 hours they stood, small candles burning in a vigil for Jonas, whose life was mercilessly cut short whilst in the “care” of Somerset Social Services. This poor little boy was the victim of a system that actually cares little for real child protection and more about profits and targets. Jonas was clearly seriously ill 4 days prior to his death, so much so that his father, at the contact session raised his concerns and asked that Jonas be taken to a Doctor without delay, a request that the Contact Centre Supervisor completely agreed with.
Yet Jonas wasn’t taken to a doctor, the foster parents failed to listen to those who knew best – Jonas parents- and that decision was to cost this poor little boy his life. No trace of any record, or any written confirmation of a visit to a Doctor or Hospital has been provided by Somerset County Council.
Through the pouring rain on that Monday afternoon Jonas was remembered, starkly, outside the very building that houses the so called “professionals” that were acting as God and thought they could “protect” Jonas better than his parents. Memories, photographs and what they carry in their hearts is all that his parents now have. This should not have happened.
The vigil drew interest from the local BBC Radio station and the local paper sent along a reporter and photographer. It is hoped that some of the truths of this tragic event may be reported more accurately by the local media, rather than the Somerset County Councils “cover-up” messages being spun out to them.
Investigations, legal actions or whatever is pursued by the family and their supporters will never bring Jonas back, no amount of “we have learnt lessons” rhetoric from the Somerset Child protection quangos can undo the damage they have inflicted, However, this is one case that is not going to be brushed aside, Jonas will have Justice.

 See the Family Justice website here