News

Lisa Arthurworrey has won her appeal to have her name removed from the Protection of Children Act List, writes Clare Jerrom.

The Care Standards Tribunal ruled unanimously that the social worker, who supervised Victoria Climbie before her death in February 2000, should not be deemed unsuitable to work with children.

“It is our view that the Secretary of State has wholly failed to satisfy us that Ms Arthurworrey is unsuitable to work with children. Indeed the opposite is the case,” a statement from the tribunal said.

“Ms Arthurworrey came over to us in her evidence as a straightforward and caring individual who has fully acknowledged the mistakes she made in connection with this case,” it continued. “She told us that she failed in her responsibility towards Victoria. She was frank in her assessment of herself.”

The Tribunal also sent a clear message that to list a social worker on the Poca or Protection of Vulnerable Adults list for professional mistakes should be an “unusual occurrence, to be used only in the most clear cut of cases”.

The statement concluded by urging the government to ensure that social workers are better trained, better resourced, and better supervised.

“In this way, it is hoped that the tragedy of Victoria will not be repeated,” the statement concluded.