The High Court in Edinburgh has delivered a damning verdict against North Lanarkshire Council, ordering it to pay over £1.2 million in damages for profound failures in its duty of care towards a vulnerable child.
The ruling comes after a young woman, identified only as Robyn, endured years of abuse and neglect while under the council's supervision. The court heard how social work services were repeatedly alerted to the severe risks in her home environment but took no meaningful action to safeguard her.
A Litany of Systemic Failures
Evidence presented to the court painted a picture of a child protection system in disarray. Key opportunities to intervene and remove Robyn from a damaging situation were consistently missed. The judge found that the council's inaction was a direct breach of its statutory duties, ultimately leaving the child exposed to prolonged physical and emotional harm.
The £1.2 million settlement is intended to provide lifelong support for Robyn, covering the cost of therapy, care, and assistance needed to overcome the trauma inflicted during her childhood.
Council Admits Liability
In a significant admission, North Lanarkshire Council conceded full liability for the failures in Robyn's case. A spokesperson for the local authority issued a formal apology, acknowledging the devastating impact their errors had on her life.
The case has sparked serious questions about the state of child protection services within the council and across Scotland. It underscores a critical need for thorough review and reform of social work practices to prevent such a catastrophic failure from happening again.
This ruling serves as a stark reminder to all local authorities of their paramount responsibility to protect the most vulnerable children in their care.
