Social workers under fire as complaint upheld

THE council's social work department has been ordered to review the way it works after a complaint over a "badly handled" case was upheld.

A mother made a formal complaint against the children and families department, after accusing a social worker of being "hostile and aggressive", and claiming the case put strain on her family and damaged its reputation.

Her complaint was upheld by the independent Social Work Complaints Review Committee.

The social work department became involved with the mother after police said a convicted sex offender was visiting her home.

Police feared for the safety of her sons and passed the information on to the social work department, who launched an investigation.

However, despite contacting the department about the referral, the mother was not given the exact details about the circumstances.

She also said that when she was visited at home, the social worker was hostile and aggressive.