The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about what a social worker proposed to a court. The matter complained of is not separable from the conduct of court proceedings.
The complaint
Mrs X said a social worker made a wrong decision in what he said to a court regarding arrangements for her children.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
We cannot investigate a complaint about the start of court action or what happened in court. (Local Government Act 1974, Schedule 5/5A, paragraph 1/3, as amended)
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by the complainant.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
Final decision
We cannot investigate Mrs X’s complaint because it is not separable from court proceedings.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman