A Kirkcaldy project worker who used words like “town bike” and “spaz” towards girls in care has been given a warning.
John Kemlo left a 15-year-old distressed after using abusive language, which also included “slapper” and “slut”.
Kemlo also used words such as “spastic” and “spaz” towards a 12-year-old girl.
The Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) which found Kemlo guilty of misconduct in 2013 said the girls could have suffered emotional harm as a result.
The SSSC said it was not an isolated incident. However, the regulating body said Kemlo had been willing to change his behaviour and there has been no repeat incidents since 2013.
“He has shown insight and reflection into his actions,” said the SSSC. “His employer has raised no concerns in relation to his ongoing practice.”
Kemlo was given a warning, which will remain on his residential child care worker record for a year.
In addition, he has been told to submit a written account showing what he had learned from the incident, including the impact of what he says on vulnerable young people.
The SSSC described Kemlo as an experienced and qualified residential worker who should have known that the language he was using was inappropriate.
“Service users have the right to expect that they will be treated with dignity and respect and protected from harm by social service workers in whom they and the public place their trust and confidence.
“Abusive behaviour by a social service worker is a breach of trust and confidence for social service users. It is a misuse of the power placed in social service workers, whilst also placing service users at risk of harm.”
The SSSC said using derogatory language could harm a young person’s self-esteem.
Kemlo’s behaviour was also considered as misconduct because social services workers should be role models for those in their care.
“This behaviour constituted an abuse of trust in that service users expect not to be subject to verbal abuse from social service workers,” said the SSSC.