Arthurworrey wins appeal

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.