The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about safeguarding. Miss X is not a suitable person to represent the children concerned in her complaint.
The complaint
Miss X said the children of another family are at serious risk in their parents’ care. She said the children’s father was a gang member who murdered a person, that there were weapons in the family home, and that the children’s mother would now take them to visit their father in prison.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
We can decide whether to start or discontinue an investigation into a complaint within our jurisdiction. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 24A(6) and 34B(8), as amended)
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by the complainant.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
Miss X is not a parent of the children concerned, or a member of their extended family, or a person with a role in the children’s lives, such as a teacher or foster carer. Any immediate risk she believes there is to the children should be reported to the police if she feels the Council is failing to act.
Final decision
We will not investigate Miss X’s complaint because she is not a suitable person to represent the children.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman