Social work failed 'safeguard' child after abuse claim

A parent complained that social work did not 'adequately safeguard' their child after they admitted to being abused.

Social worker failed to tell parent about assault on child in Edinburgh — An investigation was opened by the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman which took advice from an independent social work adviser. Getty Images

4th Jul 2024

Posted in

City of Edinburgh

A council’s social work department failed to tell a parent after their child disclosed they had been the victim of abuse.

A complaint was raised against Edinburgh Council by the parent who argued that social work didn’t “adequately safeguard” their child after they admitted to being abused and that they weren’t informed of the incident.

The council responded to the claims stating that “appropriate” support had been offered to the child.

An investigation was opened by the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman which took advice from an independent social work adviser.

The watchdog found that the council failed to meet their obligations and take “appropriate action” in response to the disclosures made by the child.

They added that there was “sufficient” concern about the child’s ability to maintain their wellbeing and that the social work department should have instigated their child protection procedures.

Additionally, the council was found to have insufficiently recorded the case and records explaining the decision making.

Following the investigation, the watchdog upheld the complaint made by the parent and ordered the council to apologise.

The SPSO also advised on changes to be made to case records as well as ensuring that staff are familiar with the council’s child protection procedures.

Edinburgh Council has been contacted for comment.