Police clear social worker of child abuse

Police in Christchurch have completed their investigations into allegations of child abuse by a Child Youth and Family (CYF) social worker without laying charges.

But the social worker remains on special leave while CYF completes its own inquiries.

In March, CYF confirmed that a social worker from one of the department's Christchurch branches was under investigation after allegations that he sexually abused at least one of his partner's children.

The social worker is understood to have formed a relationship with the woman, an approved CYF caregiver, while employed by the department.

Today, the head of the Canterbury police district child abuse unit, Detective Sergeant Neville Jenkins, said the social worker would not be charged with any offence.

"The police conducted an inquiry into the criminal liability of the particular CYF worker involved and on the evidence available there was insufficient evidence to proceed to a criminal prosecution," he said.

Mr Jenkins said the police had made "certain recommendations" to CYF relating to "ongoing employment issues".

He would not elaborate.

Mr Jenkins said there were "some care and protection issues" relating to the man and the woman he was in a relationship with.

"There was no evidence of criminal activity," he said.

A CYF spokeswoman said the man was still on special leave while the department continued its own investigation. This was standard procedure.

She could not say when the investigation would be completed.

CYF is understood to be investigating circumstances surrounding the social worker entering a relationship with the woman while he was working for the department.

- NZPA