Complaint
This programme featured interviews with members of a group protesting about Luton Borough Councilβs Childrenβs Services department in relation to cases of βforcedβ adoption. It included an interviews with an observer, known only as βBeckaβ, who spoke in support of social workers in the field of child protection, and with the Councillor who holds the portfolio for Childrenβs Services at the Council. Β A listener complained the item failed to explore the background to the protest group, or to interview an organiser. They also alleged that βBeckaβ is a social worker working for Luton Borough Council. The ECU considered this against the standards for due impartiality set out in the ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ guidelines.
Outcome
The sequence reflected the opinions and concerns of the parties involved and in the ECUβs view it was appropriate for the Councillor to be given time to respond to the concerns raised byΒ parents whose children had been placed for adoption by the Council. Three Counties Radio was unable to substantiate the claim about Becka, and a possible conflict of interest. Β The reporter was not aware of this suggestion at the time. The ECU noted however that the interview concerned Beckaβs own experiences as someone who, as a child, was placed with foster parents and had dealings with social workers responsible for her care. Β She did not comment on Luton Councilβs Childrenβs Servicesβ level of service or cases mentioned by the protestors. Β Listeners would have understood her to be offering a relevant opinion about fostering and adoption based on her personal experience.
Not upheld