Misconduct by social workers ignored
 |
||
|
Misconduct by social workers ignored By Tom Parks 17 August 2005 Source: Colchester Gazette "It is not my job to probe allegations of misconduct by social workers involved in forced adoptions" THE councillor in charge of children's services in Essex has said it is "not her job" to probe allegations of misconduct by social workers involved in forced adoptions.  County council
cabinet member Tracey Chapman declared: "It is not good for us
to know too much about individual cases. By what criteria would
we know whether a professional had done the right or wrong
thing?"Her remarks add fuel to fears that decisions in Essex's family courts are escaping proper scrutiny by police, the press and politicians. Essex Police said recently it would ask judges' advice before launching investigations into allegations by parents. Mrs Chapman spoke to the Gazette yesterday after the council faced a barrage of criticism over revelations about a family from Brentwood, South Essex, whose two children were adopted last week. The case was sent to London's High Court after the parents claimed they had been unfairly victimised because the mother had a low IQ. A judgement published on the internet described the couple involved as "decent law-abiding parents who had done nothing intentionally wrong," but granted the adoption on grounds including that they might fail to respond properly if the children were ill. Mrs Chapman and the council's Director of Children and Young People's Services, Clair Pyper,criticised national newspapers for "inaccurate coverage" of the case. They said the independent High Court decision showed checks and balances in the department were working and claimed the media was not in a position to judge dilemmas faced by social workers. But both dismissed suggestions that more open hearings would help avoid confusion. "In many cases we wouldn't want details published because people have a voyeuristic desire to know," Mrs Pyper said. Tracey Chapman is not actually qualified to be in charge of your Children and Families department [UK Fathers] Mrs Tracy Chapman - Rochford North "Stannetts", East End, Paglesham, SS4 2DZ Tel: 01702 257020 E-mail: Cllr.Tracey.Chapman@essex.gov.uk Slow Parents are forced to have their Children Adopted Read here Justice for families in adoption scandal Read here |
||
|
Go Back |
||
