An inquest into the death of a mum from Buckinghamshire is due to conclude today at Beaconsfield Coroner’s Court.

Fern Foster, 22, died on July 8, 2020 after being informed that her six month old baby might be placed for adoption by Buckinghamshire County Council.

Fern’s child had gone into foster care almost a month after she was born, in January 2020, after the support her family believe she was entitled to was not put into place. 
 
Fern, who loved literature and cared deeply about fairness, had Autism and was under the care of the local mental health team when she became pregnant.

Shortly after Fern found out that she was pregnant, Buckinghamshire Children’s Services became involved. 
 
The inquest has examined the care and support provided to Fern, while she was pregnant and after she had her baby, by Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust (OHNFT) and Buckinghamshire County Council social services department.  
 
The inquest has also considered the emergency response of paramedics from South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) and Thames Valley Air Ambulance (TVAA) who attended after Fern ingested a poison at home. 
 
Fern’s family believe the acts and omissions of public authorities who were required to help Fern, played a significant role in causing her death. 
 
Merry Varney and Caleb Bawdon, solicitors at law firm Leigh Day represent Fern’s father, Kieran Foster, her mother, Dominique Jowett and Fern’s sister, Rowan Foster. 
 
The family will consider reading a statement outside court following the conclusion.