Judge reports staff to inspection body

A High Court judge has sent a letter of complaint about the conduct
of two social workers to the Social Services Inspectorate, it was
confirmed this week.

Mr Justice Wall took the unusual action after hearing a case last
month involving the workers’ failure to inform a birth mother about
concerns that her son may have been sexually abused by his foster
father.

In his judgement, Mr Justice Wall criticised the council, which
cannot be named, for “grossly unprofessional and wholly improper”
actions (news, page 11, 22 May).

The Department of Health confirmed that it had received the letter
and would reply when it had decided what action to take.