Events Subsequent to R making her Allegations
37.Two very unfortunate events have affected R since she made her allegations. She has remained separated from her parents which has been her wish but on 30 September 2021 during a visit to her foster home, R made an allegation to MB, supervising Social Worker, of sexual behaviour towards her from another fostered young person living in the home (AN) who had asked R to have sex with him. The allegation was investigated. A second female employed as a personal assistant for the foster carers’ daughter later reported that she had been the victim of a sexual assault by AN. The investigations showed that R’s concerns were well founded.38.In October 2021 R was seen by Ms A, who had been engaged by Cafcass and had been appointed as R’s Children’s Guardian. Ms A had met R previously but on this occasion she talked with R about the proposed finding of fact hearing and about issues concerning R’s feelings about her experiences and about sex in general. Ms A spoke to R about her own adolescence and her own relationships. R came away from the meeting confused about Ms A’s role and why the discussion had taken place. When she spoke to her foster carer’s social worker there was concern about Ms A’s conduct which led to a formal complaint. On 12 January 2022, RJ, Service Manager with Cafcass, responded formally to R’s complaint upholding the substantive complaints that Ms A had shared personal information with R and raised inappropriate matters in her discussion with R. Ms A was removed from her role in this case and a new Children’s Guardian appointed.39.R has had telephone contact with her parents on about three occasions only. They have not met face to face since 7 June 2021. R has not wished to see them let alone to return home.