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Dirty, bruised, burned: Three children chronically neglected under Dudley Council care

Social workers at Dudley Council have been criticised by a top judge and barrister after three children were 'chronically neglected' while under their care.

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The children, who were dirty, suffered bruises and burns and had head lice and cold sores, were known to the council after their mother was cautioned for neglect.

But, two years after this, concerned teachers ended up reporting the matter directly to police after becoming increasingly worried about the condition of the youngsters, all aged under seven. The problems had persisted despite teachers flagging up the issues with social workers.

After the police were called, a full investigation was launched - ending with their mother being given a three-year community order with supervision by the probation service at Wolverhampton Crown Court this week. She had previously admitted three cases of child cruelty by way of neglect.

Mr Paul Spratt, prosecuting, said a consultant found they were suffering from 'chronic' neglect two years after being made the subject of a full local authority care order.

They had head lice, cold sores and were very dirty. One had friction burns on the ankles and abrasions to the hands and legs. Another had bruises to the face, leg, thigh and finger.

"These charges reflect the culmination of a catalogue of very poor parenting involving lack of care. The nursery school had earlier alerted the local authority to concerns about the children," Mr Spratt said.

"This was chronic neglect. The woman was incapable of dealing with them in a proper manner when it came to bathing, clothing and caring for them.

"The investment from the social services does not seem to have been at the same level one would have expected given that a full care order was in place at the time. This was protracted neglect that must have had a extreme adverse effect on the children."

The children are now in foster care with their mother, who cannot be named for legal reasons, being allowed supervised contact. Their father played no part in their upbringing.

Judge Martin Walsh said: "What is troubling is that the continued neglect occurred at a time when the children were in the care of the local authority as a result of earlier concern. The offences arose when the local authority were responsible. No doubt this is something the social services department will be reflecting on in the future."

Miss Nicole Steers, defending, said: "This is not a case of intentional harm or neglect but of incompetence and ignorance."

The mother, who now lives in Willenhall, admitted committing child cruelty during September and October last year after being cautioned for a similar offence in October 2012.

Dudley Council spokesman Anthea Jones said: "The children concerned were placed under a Care at Home order by the courts in August 2012.

"They were returned to their mother in October 2012 and the local authority continued to support the family under the Care at Home order until October 2014 when concerns were raised and we acted to remove the children."

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