The woman, from Darlington, County Durham, was set to face a General Social Care Council (GSCC) conduct panel in Newcastle on Wednesday.

She is accused of misconduct and breaching the GSCC code of practice.

If the allegations are proven, she could face suspension or be removed from the social care register.

It is the first time the conduct panel has sat since taking responsibility for regulating social workers.

'Public interests'

A panel of between three and five GSCC members was due to hear the case which was expected to last three days.

If disciplined, the social worker has 28 days to appeal to the independent Care Standards Tribunal for a review of the decision.

A GSCC spokeswoman said: "Being registered means that all social workers are accountable for their conduct and practice.

"Action can be taken against any social worker where they have breached the code of practice and where it is considered that they are no longer suitable to be a registered social worker.

"Such decisions, which are not taken lightly, are taken to protect the public interests and those of the 1.5 million people who use social care services."