A Dundee carer has been struck off after she took money from the home of a vulnerable person in her care.
Kelsy Smith has been removed from the register of carers after she took £100 from the person’s home in June last year.
The Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) found Smith took money on two separate occasions – one time taking £40 and another taking £60.
It was also determined the carer, who was employed by My Care Tayside at the time, accepted between £20 and £40 after telling them they had no money.
Smith’s behaviour, the SSSC said, showed “a serious disregard” for the welfare of the person in her care.
Kelsy Smith’s actions were ‘deliberate and pre-meditated’
In a report supporting the removal order, the SSSC said Smith’s actions risked inflicting “emotional and psychological harm” on the person in their care, referred to as AA.
It was also determined Smith has displayed “financially abusive behaviour” which “risked damaging the confidence that AA should have in the care system to keep them safe from any harm”.
Outlining the reasons for removing Smith from the care register, the SSSC said there was “a risk of the behaviour being repeated”, putting vulnerable people at risk of harm.
Smith’s “deliberate and pre-meditated” actions meant she had “abused the trust placed” in her as a carer.
A removal order was deemed the only appropriate sanction by the SSSC, given the “pattern of concerning behaviour” she displayed.
Care company reported employee to police
A spokesman for My Care said Smith was removed from her position immediately.
He added: “Comprehensive pre-employment checks were completed and found to be satisfactory.
“As soon as the theft was reported the employee was immediately removed from work, the alleged theft reported to the police, and our internal processes followed resulting in termination of employment.
“A report was filed to Disclosure Scotland and the SSSC. The council commissioners were also informed.
“It is incredibly sad when such things happen as the employer and the service user place such high levels of trust in our care staff, but fortunately such events are very rare and there are thousands of care workers across Scotland doing amazing work every day.”
Conversation