Reply from the Local Authority Complaints Manager
UK
I have been helping my partner with her complaint to an incident that happened some years back. What happened resulted in my partner losing her child to adoption. She has another child who is now 20 and was in care. An incident happened at the home of her daughters foster parents and my partner was assaulted. I have been trying to prove that the social workers cause harm which led to her son's removal.
At the present time the complaint has gone through a stage two of the Local Authority complaints process. We are now waiting for it to be taken to stage three.
My Partners daughter has now become involved, and she knows what really happened and that the social workers are lying. When I told the complaint manager my partner's daughter wants to be present at the stage three I received this reply.
Reply from the Local Authority Complaints Manager
I have spoken to the Chair who would like some more information about why you would want (daughter) to be present.
Complainants can bring someone with them to act as an advocate and represent them if need be, but I imagine that you will be fulfilling that role. It is about whether (Mother) wants (daughter) at the panel and for what purpose, rather than (daughter) just wanting to be there.
The role of the panel is not to reinvestigate the complaint but to review what has gone on at stage 1 and stage 2. The Panel will only hear from you in relation to the four complaints as listed in your statement of complaint made to the IO, Officer. They will not listen to any new representations that are not specific to those four complaints which are about (Mother) visit to (Foster Carers Home). (Daughter) would not be able to speak about any issues other than this. The Chair has asked me to point out that having three people inputting information can be both confusing and disruptive and ultimately counter-productive for the complainant.
I'd be grateful if you could provide me with some more information Might you consider bringing your mental health nurse, if she is willing to attend? She wouldn't be able to participate in the discussion but she might provide useful additional support for you
I'd be grateful if you could provide me with some more information.
They are very nervous about her daughter being present at the meeting. What is the best way forward, Should my partner's complaint be looked at again with the evidence of her daughter? Should I bring the Police in to it?
Thank you
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