Wirral Council has paid £10,350 compensation to two foster
carers for failing to support them after an emergency
placement.
The council also failed to make even basic checks before placing
two children in foster care, the
Local Government
Ombudsman found.
The children, aged eight and 10, were those of the foster
carer's former partner. They were placed with him and his adult
daughter after claims of neglect were made against their mother in
2004.
However, the council did not check the foster carers or the
accommodation before the placement, and failed to visit the
children early in the placement. They also failed to provide
adequate financial or social work support.
Ombudsman Anne Seex said: "[The foster carer] and his daughter
have proved to be appropriate carers who have apparently done an
excellent job in looking after the children who have come to no
harm. This is no thanks to the council."
Phil Davies, the Wirral Council cabinet member for children's
services, said: "We would like to sincerely apologise to the
family, and assure them and the public that all necessary steps
will be taken to remedy the matters highlighted in the report."
