Watchdog backs Telford & Wrekin Council and foster carer’s complaint over 2023 incident is rejected

The watchdog backed Telford & Wrekin Council, finding its investigation was “thorough and balanced” and that “further investigation would not lead to a different outcome. ”

The man, known only as Mr X, was deregistered as a foster carer following the incident, with children removed from his care. The ombudsman said it understood he resigned as a foster carer.

Mr X had complained to the council about how it had handled the case and the support he received. The council did not uphold his complaint, but accepted there had been delays in responding to some of his emails and apologised.

The ombudsman’s report noted that police and the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) were involved. It recorded that no prosecution followed, noting that the complainant did not cooperate.

Mr X had asked for an apology and compensation, but the ombudsman said further investigation would not change the outcome.

“We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint as we could not add to the council’s response,” the decision states.

In conclusion the ombudsman wrote: “The council’s investigation was thorough and balanced. There is nothing we could add by further investigation.”

It also considered Mr X’s claim that a social worker had misled the investigation, but said pursuing this would not lead to a different result.

A spokesperson for the council said it could not comment on individual cases.

They added: “However, decisions about the approval or deregistration of foster carers are made in line with national legislation and statutory guidance.

“The overriding consideration in all cases is the safety and welfare of children.

“Where concerns arise, these are thoroughly investigated and considered through a formal process, including independent scrutiny by a fostering panel and a senior decision maker.

“The council recognises the vital role foster carers play and does not take decisions to deregister lightly.”