An Isle of Wight resident has been in touch with OnTheWight sharing some very worrying allegations about the safeguarding of two children by Isle of Wight Children’s Services.
In light of the latest Ofsted report which praised the council for the action taken to pull the local authority out of an Inadequate status, the allegations of a serious failings will be of concern to many.
Provided clear evidence “on a plate”
To protect his identity, and those of the children he’s concerned about, we’ll refer to him as Mr X.
He has been able to provide clear audio evidence of what he terms ‘extreme child abuse’, both verbal and physical, which he has handed to both the police and Children’s Services. Mr X says there have been numerous calls to the police and one arrest.
Mr X: “Ill from the lack of sleep and distress”
Mr X says,
“When will the authorities do something about this? I have reported these incidents and provided clear evidence on a plate, many, many times.
“The excuse I get from children’s services every time is that due to confidentiality reasons they cannot tell me what action is being taken, but I should be assured that it is and that I ‘don’t know what goes on behind the scenes’. I am afraid I do as I hear it several times a week through my walls!
“It is hell to live next to this next door to this. This has now been happening at least several times a week for almost six months and I am becoming quite ill from the lack of sleep and distress. Sadly, buying my first home has quickly become the most regrettable decision I have ever made.”
Numerous reports
Having lived on the Island all his life, last year Mr X bought his first home. Initially hearing the odd argument from the adjoining property next door, he assumed it would calm down. However, within a short space of time, he suspected child abuse and reported it to Children’s Services.
On three occasions he emailed the family’s case worker transcripts and audio recordings of what he believed was child abuse taking place. He received no acknowledgement or reply to these concerns.
He says he’s also made at least ten plus phone calls to the council helpline in connection with the case.
Direct action
Frustrated with a lack of response, in November 2014, Mr X tells us that after a serious incident of the mother apparently hitting the child, he walked into County Hall with a recording of the incident eager to speak to the case worker.
Two days after handing over his severe concerns to Children’s Services, he received a phone call from Newport police station. They’d been passed his evidence and requested a witness statement. He obliged, but has heard nothing from the authorities since.
He says the incidents are now becoming more frequent and violent.
Mr X: “Outraged and disgusted”
Mr X finished by saying,
“I am outraged and disgusted that the authorities let this continue. Will nobody act until someone is seriously injured or killed? Their blood will not be on my hands when this happens, but theirs.”
“Working very hard with the family to resolve current problems”
Cllr Jonathan Bacon, leader of the Isle of Wight Council and Executive member for children’s services, said:
“I have been briefed by senior officers and am fully assured that a number of agencies are working very hard with the family to resolve the current problems and that a range of constructive options are being considered that may serve to resolve the issues.
“We do understand and sympathise with the complainant. We are sorry that we have not been able to share with him how we are working with the family but we are strictly bound by the need to maintain children’s confidentiality.”
Article edit
Added comment from Cllr Bacon added 7 February 9.46am and made a number of tweeks to reflect the concerns of the resident.
