Summary: We will not investigate Miss B’s complaint that the Council is at fault in refusing to cease her children’s Child Protection Plans. This is because we cannot achieve the outcome she wants.

The complaint

1. The complainant, who I will refer to as Miss B, complains that the Council is at fault in refusing to cease her children’s Child Protection Plans.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We investigate complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’. In this statement, I have used the word ‘fault’ to refer to these. We must also consider whether any fault has had an adverse impact on the person making the complaint. I refer to this as ‘injustice’. We provide a free service, but must use public money carefully. We may decide not to start or continue with an investigation if we believe we cannot achieve the outcome someone wants. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

3. I have considered what Miss B has said in support of her complaint. I have offered her the opportunity to comment on a draft of my decision.

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What I found

4. Miss B’s children have been subject to child protection action and are currently subject to Child Protection Plans. Miss B has complained to the Council about the Plans and about the actions of two social workers, which she regards as unreasonable. Specifically, she complains about the number of visits they make to her home. She wants the Council to cease the Plans as she believes they are no longer necessary. The Council has denied its officers have been at fault.
5. We will not investigate Miss B’s complaint because we cannot achieve what she wants. Investigation by the Ombudsman cannot result in a Child Protection Plan being ceased. Whether to do so will be a decision made by a multi-agency child protection conference. It is not for the Ombudsman to express a view on the matter.

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Final decision

6. We will not investigate this complaint. This is because we cannot achieve the outcome Miss B wants.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman