Caerphilly County Borough Council has been ordered to apologise to a couple who had their autistic son taken away from them for eight months while claims of physical abuse were investigated.
The Public Services Ombudsman found the investigation was delayed and flawed and has recommended a case review.
Henry Newbury, 65, and wife Sheila, have been reunited with son Henry, 40 – who has the mind of a five-year-old child. Mrs Newbury, a community councillor, had been temporarily suspended as a care worker.
The ombudsman has recommended a case review and ordered the council to apologise.
Henry was placed in care in March 2009 after two allegations of abuse were made by workers at the day centre which he attended. Neither allegation was proven.
The allegation of physical abuse against a family member was investigated by police who found no case to answer.
Mr Newbury complained about the council’s response to allegations of abuse and was concerned his son was moved to a care home without a court order.
He was also concerned about the council’s Protection of Vulnerable Adults (Pova) investigation into the allegations and the amount of time it took.
The public services ombudsman has partially upheld the complaints.
A Caerphilly Council spokesman said: “The council has been working closely with family…and we acknowledge the timescale to resolve this situation has been protracted.
“It is important to note that ombudsman found we have not discriminated against the family, nor caused undue delays.
“However, as requested by the ombudsman, we will be apologising most sincerely to the family.”