I feel I must respond to the letter from Heather Causnett (January 8) regarding Mr and Mrs Bramley and their foster children.

Social services operate in difficult and complicated circumstances, and are staffed by fallible human beings. Unfortunately there have been children left in appalling situations as a result of decisions made by social services. I do not believe that it will ever be possible to get it right every time, but it is to be hoped that all the involved authorities are constantly striving to improve, and learn from previous mistakes.

Unless personally involved with Mr and Mrs Bramley, and their attempt to adopt Hannah and Jade, none of us is in any position to determine that there is a "relentless witch-hunt for two pleasant people".

For reasons which are not public knowledge (and quite rightly so), social services determined that adoption should not proceed in this case. Surely this kind of reversal, although extremely traumatising for all concerned, must always be an option.

The theory of parenting is very different to the practice. The pressure brought about by two small children (particularly if they have emotional problems arising from an unsettled background) can shake a household to the core.

My own adoptive parents appeared to offer "the kind of home and quality of loving care that the Bramleys seem willing to offer". Unfortunately, appearances can be deceptive.

I did not feel cherished and, in my opinion, my parents did not do a "grand job of bringing me up to feel secure and content".

I fully agree that Mr and Mrs Bramley deserve "understanding and compassionate treatment" but let those who are in possession of all the relevant information, and who are qualified to do so, make the decision.

Then let those at the centre of this unfortunate and distressing saga rebuild their lives with the support of those closest to them.

Name and address supplied.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.