Childcare worker had sexual activity with teen in her care
A SWANSEA residential childcare worker has been removed from the Register of Social Care Workers after engaging in sexual activity with a teenage resident in her care.
The worker sent the under-16-yearold an inappropriate photo of herself, as well as telling the young person that she loved them, a hearing conducted by Social Care Wales found.
She also lied to her employer about her social media exchanges with the young person and failed to let her employer know promptly when the young person threatened self-harm.
As a result of the allegations, the worker was suspended by her employer and subsequently dismissed.
The panel concluded that her behaviour was dishonest and lacked integrity, and that her fitness to practise was currently impaired because of her serious misconduct.
Explaining its decision, the panel said: “[The worker’s] integrity is clearly in question and her actions amount to a breach of a fundamental tenet of social care. Her actions are likely to have caused [the young person in her care] harm by perpetuating his attachment difficulties and they are likely to undermine public confidence if not robustly addressed.
“[The worker] showed disregard for [the young person]’s wellbeing and that of her colleagues. She might have caused significant damage to him during a critical stage of his development, particularly so far as his understanding of appropriate relationships with women are concerned.
“We have no evidence that [the worker] has accepted that she did wrong and taken serious steps to address her behaviour.”
The panel continued: “There is no indication of insight or remorse on her part. We conclude, therefore, that [the worker] is liable to behave in the future in a way which puts individuals using care and support at risk.”
The panel decided to removed her from the Register, saying: “[A]
Removal Order is the only appropriate option given the circumstances. [The worker] would present significant risk to young people in particular if she were to return to social care work.”