The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We cannot investigate Mrs X’s complaint about a social worker’s assessment of her family. This formed part of ongoing court proceedings and we are legally prevented from investigating it.
The complaint
Mrs X said a social worker’s assessment of her family was flawed, and her children could have been harmed if a court had accepted what the social worker said. She wanted a different social worker to prepare the fresh report ordered by the court.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
The Local Government Act 1974 sets out our powers but also imposes restrictions on what we can investigate.
We cannot investigate a complaint about the start of court action or what happened in court. (Local Government Act 1974, Schedule 5/5A, paragraph 1/3, as amended)
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by the complainant.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
Final decision
We cannot investigate Mrs X’s complaint because it directly concerns the conduct of court proceedings.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman