IT’S SHAMEFUL
SOCIAL WORK BLUNDER OVER VULNERABLE GIRL
struck her off – but said “systemic failures” at Fife Council had also played a part in the “pattern of misconduct that developed”.
Sandra, from Burntisland, Fife, whose own fami ly have had involvement with Fife Council’s social work team, said she opened the mail after recognising the department’s stamp.
She was looking after a property owned by her daughter when the documents arrived. The family say neither of the chi ld’s parents have ever lived at the address.
She said: “It was only when I started reading that I realised it couldn’t be meant for my family.
“The letter was marked for the attention of the girl’s dad. It was an innocent mistake.
“I phoned up Fife social work department and explained what had happened and suggested that correspondenceco like this should surelysur be sent recorded delivery.
“But a woman claimed they couldn’tcou afford to do that. She said someonesom would be in touch but I’ve heardhe nothing since.”
Fife Council are looking for a new £116,000- a-year head of children’s services after the previous head, Craig Munro, resigned earlier this year.
Steve Hopton, the counci l ’s service manager, said: “We can reassure the public that Fife Council take the confidentiality of our clients very seriously and we are investigating this issue.
“The report was correctly sent to the address we held on file for our client at that time and should not have been opened by anyone other than who it was addressed to.
“Our client confirmed they had lived at this address.”
The Scottish Conservatives’ Liz Smith said: “This is a major error and could have caused considerable damage. Surely extra care must be taken with sensitive documents.”