ADVICE ON SOCIAL SERVICES DISCLOSING INFO

[Twodogs2021]

Hi there. I'm new. Need a little advice on the conduct of a SW we have been dealing with. To cut the story short my partner (together 9 years, engaged to be married) was arrested last year because of something he got caught up in online and SS were called to assess the situation (I have two children from previous marriage). Partner moved out for 8 weeks. All charges, etc were dropped by the police, but the SS assessment arrived by email and the SW confirmed she has sent a copy of it to my ex husband. I asked if my ex husband had received the same copy with the details of the alleged charge and the actual, specific details of the emails that my partner sent and she said no, he was only told the basic info (arrested and on what alleged charge) but I pointed out that this assessment had those actual details on and I got no response. She has since emailed me (24 hours later) and told me that she has decided to disclose the full information to my ex husband (I think because she has accidentally sent it yesterday and I pointed it out to her). Since then I have been told the case is closed and received no further response from her. Is this lawful? I am aware that my ex husband has a right to know about the assessment etc, and I completely accept this, but I wasn't sure if it was a breach of my partner's confidentiality? No charges were brought by the police, my partner is back home and the full assessment has been completed, and although SS have made 'recommendations', they agree my children are not in harm's way and have closed the case? We are obviously now living on eggshells as we all live quite close and mix in the same circles and are worried that this information will come out, and even worse, get back to my teenager. Thank you. A worried and very stressed mum.

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear Twodogs2021

Thank you for your post and welcome to the parents’ discussion board.

My name is Suzie, online adviser at Family Rights Group.

I see from your post that you have had a good outcome from your involvement with children’s services who have now closed your case following police investigation and their own assessment relating to your partner.

You are concerned about the disclosure of information relating to your partner being made to your ex-husband and your children’s father. Children’s services can redact third party information when disclosing documents. If your partner wishes he can complain to the local authority about his private information being disclosed. You should be able to find information relating to data protection on their website. You may also find it helpful to read our advice sheet Challenging decisions and making complaints.

The Information Commissioner’s Office will be able advice you about the disclosure of personal data. Their telephone number is 0303 123 1113

Your ex-husband should not want to disclose information relating to the children. I also think your partner can ask the social worker why she considered it necessary to share his personal information since you state that she decided that she was going to do so.

I hope this helps

Best wishes

Suzie