I think it has everything to do with Williams disappearance.She wouldn't have heard rumours, she would have been directly consulted by the case worker. As per my previous link. Step #2 in the process.
<modsnip> I am not seeing how it has any bearing on William's disappearance.
The need to get the bio's out of Williams life was front and centre of FM universe IMO.
All consuming.
Escalating tension and frustation.
Here she is working her butt off to keep these kids and William doesn't care for her. Not like how she wants and craves.