Cheshire East Council (24 009 262)

Report Upheld Child protection 26-Aug-2025

Summary: Miss X complained the Council excessively and disproportionately intervened after a traumatic premature birth. She said the Council wrongly considered care proceedings, put both of her children on child protection plans, and communicated poorly. Miss X said the Council’s actions scarred and traumatised her, and caused significant distress. She said the experience significantly impacted her mental health. Miss X said she felt shamed, bullied and misjudged. She said she was treated like a danger to her children during one of the most frightening, exhausting and vulnerable times of her life. Miss X said she and her children carry the emotional consequences every day.

Kent County Council (25 002 868)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Child protection 05-Aug-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about how the Council recorded and shared information. Some of the complaint is late, and there are no good reasons it was not brought to us sooner. And of the other parts that are not late, it is unlikely we would find fault if we were to investigate further.

Surrey County Council (25 001 738)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Child protection 04-Aug-2025

Summary: We will not investigate Mr F’s complaint about a child and family assessment following an allegation his mother harmed his daughter because we cannot achieve the outcome he is looking for. There are other bodies better placed to consider his concerns, and there is not enough evidence of fault or injustice to justify our involvement.

Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council (25 003 693)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Child protection 04-Aug-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this late complaint about the Council’s investigation into child protection concerns. There is not a good reason for the delay in Miss X bringing the matter to the Ombudsman. We could not achieve a meaningful outcome in any event.

Wakefield City Council (25 005 929)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Child protection 04-Aug-2025

Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about a social worker sharing information with a family support worker relating to Miss X’s contact with her children. The law prevents us from investigating anything that is or has been the subject to the conduct of court proceedings.

London Borough of Barnet (25 006 830)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Child protection 04-Aug-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s actions during an assessment for Ms X’s children, because it is unlikely that we could add anything to the investigation that the Council has already carried out. Additionally, the Information Commissioner’s Office would be better placed to consider some of the matters raised.

North Yorkshire Council (25 001 215)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Child protection 03-Aug-2025

Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about the Council’s involvement with Mr B because he has already begun court action against the Council to remedy the same injustice from the same Council actions, so we have no power to investigate.

Northumberland County Council (25 005 013)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Child protection 31-Jul-2025

Summary: We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint about false information that led towards his child being removed from his care. The issues raised relate to what happened in court.

Westminster City Council (25 005 203)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Child protection 31-Jul-2025

Summary: We will not investigate Ms X’s complaint the Council took matters about her grandchild to court under false pretences. The law prevents us from investigating anything that is or has been the subject of court proceedings.

Kent County Council (25 005 236)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Child protection 31-Jul-2025

Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about matters involving the care of his children. The law prevents us from investigating anything which is or has been the subject of court proceedings. It would be reasonable for Mr X to raise any concerns he has directly with the court about existing care arrangements for his children.