Moray Council says sorry to family following critical report
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Moray Council has this week issued an apology to the family of a teenager in its care.
An independent investigation by the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) recently upheld all nine complaints made by his parents against the council.
With the family's consent the teenager, who is described as having medical complex needs, was placed in a specialist residential facility outside of Moray.
Three years later, when he turned 18, the council decided to transfer the teenager to the adult services arm of its social work department.
This decision meant that the teenager was no longer covered by legislation which would have guaranteed him a place at the facility until he reached the age of 21.
The independent investigation ruled that this decision had been made without any proper consultation with either the teenager or his parents.
It added: "There is no evidence in the records that Mr A was given concrete examples of the type of care he might be offered or that he was taken to see possible care settings.
"A recommendation made at a Looked After Child Review in January 2018 to offer Mr A independent advocacy was not actioned until over a year later."
The investigation also criticised how the council had communicated with the family largely by email rather than having face-to-face meetings.
It also found fault in how the family was given just three days' notice of one meeting, and then, despite requests, were not supplied with the minutes of that meeting until long afterwards.
Additional criticism was attached to how a complaint by the family was handled.
It stated: "There was no evidence that the council had investigated."
A spokesperson for the family said: "This situation caused significant stress and indeed triggered an epileptic fit during a subsequent review meeting.
"Given that the young man in question is at risk of sudden death due to epileptic fits, this was a stark example of the lack of care and understanding shown by the council throughout this appalling episode.
"Vulnerable young people should be treated in a respectful way which takes their views into account.
"The SPSO have upheld every one of the nine complaints made against Moray Council and made many recommendations for the council to improve.
"It is hoped that the council will repair the damage caused to the family and undertake the recommendations without delay.
"Otherwise the apology received is just empty words."
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