Lost info could put kids at risk

A MEMORY stick believed to contain confidential information about vulnerable children has been lost.

A concerned foster carer contacted the Post to say the stick had been misplaced by a Neath Port Talbot Council employee and warned that youngsters could be at risk as a result.

The authority has since confirmed that the stick is missing and an investigation is underway.

The carer, who has asked to remain anonymous due to the background of the child he cares for, said the loss was a concern.

He said: "I feel pretty gutted about it.

"The kids that I tend to care for are end-of-the-line kids — the next step would probably be secure accommodation.

"They are vulnerable children.

"If the people around here knew about their backgrounds I would probably get a brick through the window.

"In some cases, if this information got out, it could put them at risk."

It is thought that the stick could have gone missing last month.

However, when the Post contacted Neath Port Talbot Council, the authority issued a statement, but refused to answer any questions about the nature of the information contained on the stick, or the circumstances in which it was lost.

Andrew Thomas, head of support services and commissioning education and lifelong learning said: "Neath Port Talbot Council has launched an internal investigation following the loss by a staff member of a memory stick containing confidential information.

"It is inappropriate for us to make any further comment until the investigation has been concluded. Action has been taken to inform the relevant authorities."

Another carer contacted by the Post said: "We are in a very vulnerable position, because the fact that information has gone missing is disastrous."