The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about the Council’s children’s services involvement with Miss X’s family. The law prevents us from investigating matters which have been subject to court proceedings.
The complaint
Miss X complained about the Council’s children’s services involvement with her family. Miss X said its involvement influenced the outcome of court proceedings.
Miss X said the social workers involved made false allegations about her and her children.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
The Local Government Act 1974 sets out our powers but also imposes restrictions on what we can investigate.
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 Miss X’s complaint because the law prevents us from investigating matters which have been subject to court proceedings. Miss X’s concerns should have been raised during the closely related court proceedings, either by her or her legal representatives.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman