Staffordshire County Council (20 012 417)
Category : Children's care services > Looked after children
Decision : Upheld
Decision date : 01 Mar 2022
Overview:
Summary
Miss C complained about the care and support she received from the Council as a child. Miss C says because of the Council’s fault she did not receive proper support and missed out on a care leavers grant.
Finding
Fault found causing injustice and recommendations made.
Recommendations
The Council must consider the report and confirm within three months the action it has taken or proposes to take. The Council should consider the report at its full Council, Cabinet or other appropriately delegated committee of elected members and we will require evidence of this. (Local Government Act 1974, section 31(2), as amended)
To remedy the injustice caused, we recommend the Council reconsider Miss C’s request for her complaint about children’s social care to be investigated within one month of the date of this report.
If the Council decides not to investigate, it should show how it has taken account of the statutory guidance in reaching its decision and write to Miss C explaining the reasons for its decision.
The Council should also advise Miss C of her right to reapproach the Ombudsman.
The Council has accepted our recommendations.
Ombudsman satisfied with Council's response: 13 June 2022.