Two girls who were sexually abused by other children in care have been awarded a total of £12,000 by Torbay Council, according to a local government watchdog.
The two girls were paid £6000 each after compensation claims made by their parents that they had been sexually abused by the two other girls, who were living next door at the time. The council also said that it would review the way it dealt with similar incidents.
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The Local Government Ombudsman said in its annual report that the council had not ‘adequately assessed the risk’ posed by the two abusers. It was also adjudged that the council had failed to support the victims and their parents afterwards.
The Chief Executive of Torbay Council, Elizabeth Raikes said the council had apologised to the victims and their parents for any distress caused, and that it completely accepted the ombudsman’s decision. She added that in addition to agreeing to pay the compensation, the council would learn from what happened.
Ms Raikes said that the council’s Children’s Services department had already taken steps to address the issues raised by the case, including a review of risk management policies and procedures.
The Local Government Ombudsman had received 43 inquiries or complaints about Torbay Council in the previous year, costing the council a total of £18,500 in compensation – but Ms Raikes pointed out that this was lower than the national average – 15 per cent compared with 26.9 per cent of complaints being referred to the ombudsman.
The ombudsman also awarded £6,000 in a case where the council wrongly supported court proceedings that involved a child’s natural grandparents trying to re-establish contact with their adopted grandson.
Complaints to the ombudsman about Devon County Council also rose on the previous year from 53 to 68. Awards included £5,500 for failing to support a complainant following a residence order to decide where a child should live, and a further £2000 for placing an adult with learning and physical disabilities into unsuitable accommodation.
These cases were mentioned in the Local Government Ombudsman’s annual report 2009-10.