Foster care FAI: ‘Conscientious’ social worker defends actions

The social worker involved in the placement of a boy who stabbed foster carer Dawn McKenzie to death has defended his actions in the lead up to the tragedy.

The Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) had earlier heard from Mrs McKenzie’s husband Bryan, who had referred Stephen Lorimer’s attitude to the placement as being ‘lackadaisical’.

Asked to respond to this criticism, Mr Lorimer said: “My response is that I am a conscientious worker. I take my role very seriously. All I ever wanted was the best outcome [for the boy].”

He then broke down in tears telling the inquiry that he could not have done anything differently.

The inquiry also heard from Mr Lormier’s team leader, Magdalene Sewell, who described Mr Lorimer was a ‘very unassuming’ but ‘reliable and competent worker’.

Mr Lormier was also asked if there had been any indication the boy was violent or if there was anything he had observed that gave him cause for concern.

Mr Lorimer said: “There was no mental health diagnosis and no indication he was going to be violent to anyone.”

Dawn McKenzie was stabbed by the 13-year-old in her home in Hamilton in 2011.

The inquiry continues.