Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about the actions of social workers. The matters complained of are not separable from those involving in an ongoing court process concerning the care of children.

The complaint

1. Mx X said social workers were at fault in several ways in dealing with her. She said she effectively could not see her child because they were conducting cruel experiments on her. She said social services were incompetent and a judge repeatedly had to tell them what to do.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. 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)
3. We cannot investigate a complaint if someone has started court action about the matter. (Local Government Act 1974, section 26(6)(c), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

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

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My assessment

6. The complaint correspondence between Ms X and the Council shows the issue at the heart of this complaint is a dispute about the care and residence of a child that is subject to court action.

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Final decision

7. We cannot investigate Ms X’s complaint because the matters complained of are not separable from an ongoing court process.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman