Dad told to “get a life” by social worker

A SOCIAL worker has apologised for telling a dad to “get a frigging life” when he called to enquire about his child’s case.

The woman was working in Lambeth council’s department for children who have been taken into care.

In the course of a two-minute phone conversation, the social worker shouts, interrupts and speaks over the man.

The woman, who has more than 10 years’ experience in social work and been employed by Lambeth since 2003, tells Dexter James to “get a life” and “write a letter” if he wanted more information.

Kate Hoey, Labour MP for Vauxhall, has called for an independent examination into his treatment.

The phone call took place last month when dad-of-two Mr James called to ask after the welfare of his youngest child, who was taken into care earlier this year.

He is fighting to have his child returned to him at a court hearing this month.

Mr James, whose name we have changed to protect his kids’ anonymity, said: “I nearly passed out when she said what she did.

“I was shocked that someone would speak like that.

“She treated me like I was nothing. She was aggressive to me and abusive.

“They are supposed to tell me how my child is doing.

“It’s not fair.”

The social worker has written to Mr James and apologised for her conduct.

Her letter said: “I lost my temper with you and spoke to you in a manner that I have never spoken to you before.

“This behaviour was uncharacteristic of me as you are aware. I regret the use of the language and the tone that I spoke to you on that day for which I am truly sorry.

“I hope that this apology goes some way to address the feelings of hurt that you may have had at the time.”

Ms Hoey met the family last week. She said she was “concerned” at the attitude of the social worker.

She said: “I want to see a full independent examination of the circumstances in the way this family has been treated.”

A Lambeth spokesman said: “Lambeth expects the highest standards of conduct from our staff. This issue has been investigated and we have offered the service user a full apology.”