To break a confidence.

[BangAndTheDirtyScone]

Sorry this is so vague. I won't be adding any detail. I have name changed too obviously. A relative told me something in confidence about an institutional situation where children are being treated badly. Not physically harmed but discriminated against and scared and sidelined and denied their rights. Their parents don't know.

The trouble is that there is a cover up. The institution isn't accepting the situation's gravity despite it being known about by the higher ups and nothing is set to change. The same man who yells at and ignores these kids while their parents think they're being cared for will stay in charge. I'm sorry I can't provide more explanation of the specifics.

My relative has a personal involvement in the situation and is adamant it should remain secret (but has told me obviously).

WIBU to tell more people about it just so that the truth comes to light? Specifically an independent influential person with the power to make sure things change?

Is it ok to break a confidence to make a situation better for children facing bad treatment though not physical harm? Is it ok to secretly manoeuvre to have this man sacked?

Those poor kids. If it was your child wouldn't u want to know? I'm sorry but it dont matter if it completely ruins your relationship woth your relative. How can they keep this a secret knowing kids are being scared ect. U need to tell someone who can do something

BangAndTheDirtyScone not meaning to yell but something VERY similar happened to me and it still affects me negatively now.

I'd make an absolutely massive fuss and screw thinking about what the ignorant arses who think that you protecting innocent children is wrong.

Please do this.

If people remain unchallenged this sort of bullshit will continue happening. If we start calling it out the culture has to change.

For me, the consideration wouldn't be breaking the confidence but about how effective my intervention would be. So I would be thinking about how long has it been since your relative reported it? Could there be a valid reason for the process to take a certain amount of time eg ensuring procedures are followed appropriately to guarantee there is no chance of appeal?
It's not always the case that more publicity or trying to fast-track complaints means a better resolution in incidents like this. Sometimes it can be better but sometimes it can lead to corners being cut that mean complaints can be thrown out or appealed.
I think you need to ensure the wellbeing of the DCs is always at the forefront and you're not at all being swayed by your ability to swoop in and deliver a result which may be speedier but not necessarily the best.

Contact the organisation and advise them if they do not immediately withdraw this man from day to day interaction with children you will use social media to publicise the issue??

Surely with your relative, it's a case of 'I'm alright Jack'. I've got my child out and now don't care. How can you have any respect for him?

I have counselling and I'm always told they will break my confidence if they feel either myself or others are in danger of being harmed. I would say the same applies here.

I've only read OP and updates so I'm probably repeating what everyone else has said.
I think in your shoes I would report/raise concern/make a fuss. I would maybe warn my relative that I have decided to do this and explain why. That depends on your relationship with them.
I hope whoever it is that's mistreating/scapegoating innocent children is kicked out of their institution/job and never allowed to work with children again. I hate people like that

Of course you can break a confidence, any time, if anyone is in any kind of danger. It doesn't matter that someone told you a secret and told you not to tell, if you are telling to stop other people being harmed.

You know the answer to this.