Samantha Jones defends Kids Company psychologist in high profile fitness to practise hearing

Samantha Jones represented Dr Helen Winter, a clinical psychologist formerly at the now-disbanded Kids Company charity, accused of taking drugs with a client in a nightclub.

In a five day fitness to practise hearing at the Health and Care Professions Council in January and February 2016, the Panel found that in January 2014, Dr Winter offered a drug to a service user when out in a night club while she was under the influence of drugs; and that she allowed a service user to stay overnight at her home on another occasion.  Dr Winter was also found to have taken recreational drugs occasionally in her personal time and to have failed a random drugs test in May 2014.  The Panel found misconduct and impairment and have imposed a 12-month Suspension Order on Dr Winter who has avoided being stuck off completely.

The case is one of many in a string of allegations being made against Kids Company in the past year and as such has been widely reported in the media. You can read the latest coverage via the following links:

• The Guardian – “No permanent ban for Kids Company worker who gave MDMA to client”
• Evening standard – Samantha Jones argues permanent ban was “not necessary”
• The Sun – Miss Jones argues public confidence in the profession “would not be undermined” if Dr Winter received suspension order.

7BR’s Samantha Jones represented Dr Winter through Direct Access.

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