Summary: We will not investigate Mr F’s complaint about contact with his children because there is no evidence of fault by the Council. Contact is a private matter between Mr F and his wife.

The complaint

1. Mr F does not have any contact with his wife and children.
2. He complains a social worker said she would make arrangements for his daughter to stay with him while his wife was in hospital giving birth to their second daughter but then made other arrangements with his wife.
3. He wants to know the name and date of birth of his youngest daughter; photographs of both children; and contact. He said his wife’s allegations against him are not true.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

4. We investigate complaints about ‘maladministration’ which we call ‘fault’. We do not start an investigation if we decide the tests set out in our Assessment Code are not met. This may be when there is no evidence of fault. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

5. I considered information provided by Mr F and the Council.
6. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

7. Contact with his children is a private matter between Mr F and his wife.
8. The Council is not involved.

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Final decision

9. We will not investigate Mr F’s complaint because there is no evidence of fault by the Council.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman