Social workers ‘sticking to legal guidelines’ in exploitation cases
SOCIAL WORKERS in Rotherham operate within legal guidelines when it comes to family court proceedings involving the survivors of child sexual exploitation, the council’s leader has said.
The assurance given by Coun Chris Read during the latest full council meeting follows national controversy about a case involving survivor Sammy Woodhouse.
Ms Woodhouse spoke last week about how the father of her child – a man serving prison time after being convicted of her rape – had been contacted by social workers with information about legal proceedings involving the child.
The case has since been discussed in Parliament, with Prime Minister Theresa May saying the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and other departments were urgently looking at the issues raised to ensure that there was a process in place in future that did protect children and mothers.
Addressing the full council, Coun Read said he was unable to comment directly on Ms Woodhouse’s case because of legal restrictions but the council had been in contact with the MoJ.
“They have told us there is no suggestion Rotherham Council has operated outside current practice guidelines,” he said. “Our priority remains working to safeguard vulnerable children in the borough.”
He said the issue centres on whether parents without parental responsibility must, legally, be informed about legal proceedings involving their child.
“Informed is the key word,” said Coun Read. “I am increasingly confident our staff have followed national guidelines correctly.”