Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about removal of Mrs X’s adult daughter from her family’s care. These matters are the subject of court proceedings and we therefore have no jurisdiction to investigate.

The complaint

1. Mrs X complains about the Council’s role in safeguarding proceedings involving her adult daughter. She says the Council’s actions have caused significant damage and distress to her daughter and the rest of the family. Mrs X wants a public inquiry into the handling of her daughter’s case.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. The Local Government Act 1974 sets out our powers but also imposes restrictions on what we can investigate.
3. 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)

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How I considered this complaint

4. I considered information provided by the complainant.
5. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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Final decision

6. We will not investigate Mrs X’s complaint because it relates to matters that have been or are currently going through the courts. We have no jurisdiction to intervene in such matters and we cannot achieve the outcome Mrs X is seeking.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman