Unison member in Brent race complaint

The London Borough of Haringey has been told to pay £1,750
compensation to a child in its care and his parents after it made a
‘woeful catalogue of errors’ in dealing with his needs.

The local government ombudsman concluded in his report that
there had been ‘serious administrative deficiencies’ for a one-year
period in 1991-2.

During this time the boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons,
was twice moved from one residential home to another without the
council’s knowledge. And between April and September of 1992, he
was without an allocated social worker.

The ombudsman says Haringey was hampered by staff vacancies and
turbulence caused by restructuring.

The boy, who at the time of the complaint was 17 years old, but
had a mental age of 12, should receive £1,000 to be used for
his sole benefit. His parents, who owe £3,000 in solicitors’
fees, will get £500 in compensation, and £250 for time
spent pursuing the complaint.