Essex County Council is being sued for more than �50,000

The youngster is suing Essex County Council for more than �50,000 alleging a breach of its duty of care under the Children's Act and the Human Rights Act.

He is also seeking compensation for physical and psychological damage, according to a High Court writ.

In December 2002 a couple won damages against the same authority after it was found that vital information about the mental state of a boy they fostered had been withheld.

Removed from parents

In the new case, the boy will be represented by leading human rights lawyer Keir Starmer.

For legal reasons he cannot be named.

He was eventually removed from his parents in 1999 and put in a foster home.

Lorraine Callaghan, solicitor for the boy, said: "An action has been started on behalf of the child.

"It is likely to be heard some time in the next six months."

Council 'takes concerns seriously'

Commenting on the case, a spokesman for Essex County Council said: "We always want to provide the best support we can to vulnerable children in the county.

"We take very seriously any concerns that this may not have been achieved."

Paul Burstow MP, social services spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats, said the case highlighted his concerns about the funding of child protection in the UK.

"The implications for social services of a victory would be staggering and would set a precedent that could cost local authorities and taxpayers huge amounts in damages," he said.