Herefordshire Council: Protest against 'failing' children’s services

Herefordshire Council says missing case files are an issue for its children's services team

Parents affected by the Herefordshire Council children's services scandal are calling for more support.

A group of aggrieved families gathered in Leominster on Thursday to protest against "ongoing failures in the service".

The department is in special measures after a High Court Judge described it as "not fit for purpose" and "failing the children in its care".

Herefordshire Council says missing case files are an issue.

The experiences of local families were brought to light by BBC Panorama in May, but many feel they are still being let down.

"My granddaughter, seven, has had between 14 to 16 social workers in a matter of two years," a protester told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

She added: "They talk about consistency and things being routine, but that's not routine, that's strangers."

A mum, who asked to remain anonymous, said: "I haven't heard from a social worker since my baby was gone and the order was made.

"I can't get any support for loss because he is still alive."

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The demonstration was organised by campaign group A Common Bond.

It is made up of more than 300 local families who are going through appeals in the courts to try to gain access to or custody of their children.

Angeline, one of the organisers, has said she is "happy that people feel more confident in coming forward".

A spokesman for the local authority has said: "In a small number of our historical cases missing files and paperwork has been identified as an issue.

"However, this has not been found to be a significant or system-wide issue."

The council has said children's services is currently dealing with 1,674 children. The average caseload for each social worker is 18.9.