Sex abuse teen care case probed

The teenager was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court

A council has launched an urgent investigation after a disturbed teenager it placed with a couple sexually abused their young children.

The 19-year-old was taken in by the family, who were unaware he had a history of sexual behaviour involving children dating back to 2004.

He went on to rape and sexually abuse the couple's children, which he admitted at Cardiff Crown Court.

He was given an indeterminate sentence of imprisonment for public protection.

Vale of Glamorgan council, which housed the teenager with the family under its Adult Placement Service, admitted a "serious error of judgment" and said it deeply regretted the distress and harm caused to the family.

Phil Evans, director of social services, said: "The council has instigated an urgent case management inquiry into the circumstances of the young man's placement.

"The NSPCC has agreed to ensure that this work is done thoroughly.

We're doing all that we can to find out what went wrong and to ensure that such events are never repeated Phil Evans, director of social services

"Although the inquiry is still at an early stage, it has become clear that there was a serious error of judgment in placing the young man in this family.

"Staff are taking this matter very seriously. We're doing all that we can to find out what went wrong and to ensure that such events are never repeated."

Allegations about the teenager's sexual behaviour were first made in 2004, when it was claimed he acted in a sexually inappropriate way to another boy.

In 2005, he is said to have sexually touched a boy while they were both living at a hostel in England.

Serve community

Last year, he allegedly sexually assaulted a 16-year-old while they were staying in the same hostel.

The teenager, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the family's children, was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday after admitting rape and sexual assault on the couple's children.

Judge Nicholas Cooke QC, Recorder of Cardiff, said the case was a tragedy for the couple, whose only wish was to serve the community by helping the teenager.

The teenager is to serve a minimum term of six years before he can be considered for release.

He was placed on the sex offenders' register and banned from working with children for life.

Mr Evans said senior managers from the council's social services department had met the couple to apologise and offer support.

A spokeswoman for the Care Council for Wales, the regulatory body governing social services staff, said it had been notified of the case and was awaiting further information.

A spokesman for the NSPCC said: "The NSPCC can confirm that it has agreed to provide an independent overview of the Vale of Glamorgan Council's internal case management inquiry."

The council's Adult Placement Service provides accommodation with single people, couples or families for vulnerable adults who cannot live on their own.

Some adults placed with the scheme live with their hosts for years, with others only needing short-term help.

Those who offer their homes are given training and support by the council, as well as financial contributions.