Social worker struck off for abusing trans child
A social worker has been found guilty of shouting homophobic abuse at a child in his care.
Stan Lansdell, 52, was struck off today for “gross abuse” of his position. He worked for Bradford council at the time of the offences.
A General Social Care Conduct Council (GSCC) in London heard he had committed 59 counts of misconduct, including failing to follow child protection procedures, providing false references and making inappropriate contact with an 18-year-old girl.
Communitycare.co.uk reports that Lansdell had shouted homophobic abuse at a trans girl known as Child F in April 2007, when the child was aged between 12 and 13.
The child, who chose to wear girl’s clothing and was said to be experiencing gender confusion, said Lansdell had threatened to put her into care and referred to her as a “f***ing little gay b****d”.
Lansdell also made inappropriate phone calls and text messages of a sexual nature to the child’s 18-year-old cousin.
He did not attend the four-day hearing but said in an email sent to the court that the allegations were fabricated.
He was also found to have failed to keep up-to-date records on at least 13 children.
But the the GSCC’s presenting officer said Lansdell had shown “untrustworthiness” and that his behaviour was “potentially dangerous” to vulnerable children.
Committee chair Barry Picken said the committee believed he had “deep-seated personality and attitudinal problems”.
