The New Inquisition
Sex a factor in social-worker misconduct
Wisconsin State Journal April 19, 1999Sexual misconduct accounted for about half of all disciplinary actions against social workers in Wisconsin in recent years. Of the 28 disciplinary actions against social workers since 1993, 13, or 46%, were because of inappropriate sexual activity, according to the state's Department of Regulation and Licensing. The state began certifying social workers in 1993.
The misconduct ranged from sex with adolescents and intimacies with a prison inmate to relationship with the ex-lover of a former client. In each case the offenders certificates were suspended, revoked or voluntarily surrendered and none has been reinstated. In addition, among 29 ongoing investigations seven involve improper sexual activity. Other violations resulting in disciplinary action included negligence, fraud and breach of confidentiality.
Among the cases that resulted in discipline, taken from public records and documents from the Division of Enforcement:
A Milwaukee social worker assigned to the Oshkosh Corrections Institution, began fraternizing with an inmate convicted of a serious crime. Eventually they engaged in sexual contact in the social worker's office at the institution. She ultimately was fired for these acts, and her social worker's certificate was suspended for two year's beginning in February.
An Oshkosh social worker's certificate was revoked after he was charged in 1997 with multiple counts of having sex with underage youngsters, some as young as 12; for taking pictures of them engaged in sexual acts; and being in the possession of child pornography. The children had been put in his custody by Winnebago County Social Services.