SOCIAL SERVICES records.......

[LOONEYplayingachristmasTUNEy]

Just a quicky.......my dh and his siblings had a bad childhood and therefore a very thick file with social services. Something in the family is going on atm and I've been asked to find out if they legally have a right to seeing the contents of the file? It's from back in the 60's/70's. Just wondered now there is the Freedom of Information Act, they may be allowed a copy???

Anyone know the answer?

If the records still exist I would imagine they have every right to access them

You need to write to ss, and request to see any information they hold on (named individuals).
Not sure whether they will have the files from 60s though!

There is an obligation now to keep files of children in care until the children are 75 years old (!! really!!) However, if they were known to SS not in care, there is not the same requirement I think, and of course, that was not in place in the past....

HTH

The records my have to be edited before they are released. Your dh has the right to information about himself, but not anyone else including his relatives. So there could be a delay. The best thing to do would be to contact the SS department that dealt with it at the time and see what they say.

Thanks - it's actually his twin brother who is really wanting them but dh would also like a look. Will pass this info onto them both.

Yes thet have every right...as long as they are both adults and can request it themselves.

Write a letter with names and any relevant case numbers to ss.