Social worker struck off for possessing images of child abuse

The children's social worker from Kent was dismissed from his job and had to sign the Sex Offenders register for possessing the most serious category of images of children

By Rachel Schraer on December 3, 2015 in Fitness to practise, Workforce

A social worker has been struck off the register for possessing indecent images of children, a Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) panel heard.

He was employed by Kent council’s children’s services in November 2014 when the local police force was informed by their Canadian counterparts the social worker had purchased videos of naked boys six years earlier.

Images and videos

A search of his Kent home uncovered images and videos, including those he had purchased in Canada, some of which were in the most serious category of images of child abuse. He admitted he was sexually aroused by the images.

Sex Offenders register

He was given a caution and required to sign the Sex Offenders register for two years. Kent council held its own disciplinary hearing and he was dismissed from their employment in February.

HCPC panel chair Rachel O’Connell said: “The images in this case were of children, which must involve the exploitation and abuse of vulnerable individuals.”

She said there was no evidence of remorse, apology or attempts to change his behaviour.

The HCPC panel considered he posed a risk of harm to his service users and should no longer be able to practise.