'Delay' in police probe at Ayrshire care service placed youths 'at risk of harm'

dailyrecord.co.uk:

An Ayrshire care home service for young people has been panned by the Care Inspectorate for its handling of a misconduct allegation against a staff member.Inspectors claimed there had been a ‘delay’ at the Spark of Genius, in Coylton, which could have “compromised the effectiveness” of a police investigation - before bosses took “appropriate action.”The care scrutiny body also said that the lack of rapid action led to young people within another service they deliver being placed “at risk of harm.”Spark of Genius - Woodside, provides residential care for up to six young people over two houses in Ayrshire.One house is registered for up to five young people, and the other for a single young person.The Care Inspectorate carried out an unannounced visit to the service in March and discovered that there had been “serious concern” about the conduct of a member of staff towards a young person “within the past year.”An extract from their report said: “There was initially a delay in reporting this concern to the police, and the staff member was first moved to another service for young people, before being suspended and then having their employment terminated when a police investigation evidenced misconduct.”The Ayrshire Live app is available to download now.Get all the local news in your area – plus features, football news and the latest on the coronavirus crisis – at your fingertips 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories while you can customise your page with the sections that matter to you.The Ayrshire Live app is available to download now on iOS and Android.The Care Inspectorate criticised the care provider for its lack of urgency.They said: “The delay before taking appropriate action