Children's worker struck off over threatening messages about young people

A council worker has been struck off after writing threatening and derogatory comments about the young people she supported.

Suzanne Elliott worked as a young person and children’s worker for Renfrewshire Council in 2024 when the messages were exchanged via Facebook.

Elliot was under investigation by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) over the incident, which has now issued a removal order.

Their report found that, between February and May, 2024, Elliott sent messages to a young supported person.

In the messages, she made derogatory comments about a young girl whom she cared for, saying “bogging cow that’s what she is”, and “jealous little b*****d”.

She also made several threats of violence, saying she would put a “dark hood on and knock 10 shades of s**t out her when she least expects it cause I’ve had enough”, and she knew “three big girls who may just take things into their own hands or I will be forced to do so myself”.

Elliott also said “her day of dawning is coming believe me”, and said she would “get in that car and kill the boot”.

She also asked the young person she was corresponding with not to tell anyone.

Elliott also shared sensitive and confidential information about other young people’s situations and their cases, and dismissed another child’s behaviour as “attention-seeking”.

The SSSC concluded her fitness to practice was impaired due to her comments.

The report read: “You have engaged in sustained Facebook Messenger communications with a supported young person in which you made threatening and derogatory comments about other supported young people, disclosed sensitive and confidential information obtained through your role, shared personal social media content, and made remarks suggesting misuse of your professional position.

“This conduct represents a serious failure to communicate in an appropriate and respectful way, to maintain confidentiality, and to recognise and use responsibly the power and authority inherent in your role.”

In addition, the SSSC noted that Elliott had not shown any remediation and had denied what she had done.

The watchdog said a warning would not address the underlying problems with Elliott’s behaviour.

A Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said: “The safety and well-being of children and young people in our care are our highest priority. We took immediate action as soon as we became aware of the incident.

“The employee no longer works for the council.”