Rules on fostering were flouted, according to the report

A year ago, the council was severely criticised in a joint investigation by the Welsh Assembly Government and the Audit Commission.

Now a follow up report has highlighted a catalogue of serious problems, including bullying, under-qualified social workers, and broken rules.

The Welsh Health Minister Jane Hutt ordered an inspection of social services in Blaenau Gwent following a critical review last May.

But a follow-up report published on Tuesday lists a catalogue of failures there, including poor management and staff bullying.

The council has apologised and has admitted that action needs to be taken to remedy the problems as quickly as possible.

The follow-up inspection of services for children and young people in Blaenau Gwent was requested after a joint review carried out last year by the Audit Commission.

Failures

The report highlights a number of failures, including overloaded and under-qualified social workers, poor management, and the bullying of staff.

It also says that almost half the children looked after by the authority had an unqualified worker managing their case.

Rules on fostering are flouted, according to the report, and there are claims of carers looking after up to nine children at a time.

The council has already admitted it needs help.

It has now set up an expert advisory board drawn from experienced figures in other authorities, government and social services.

Dr Sue Ross, the council's interim director of social services, said action was being taken to make sure procedures were improved.

Apology

"Nobody takes any credit from being told that those systems are not working," she said.

"We are very sorry that this has happened."

First Minister Rhodri Morgan has promised the assembly will work with the council.

"The important thing is that they are not in denial about these problems, and are willing to accept help - and we will make sure that they get it," he said.

" Penny Lloyd, of the British Association of Social Workers in Wales, told BBC Wales the findings of the report were "appalling".

She said Blaenau Gwent had particular problems of social deprivation, and it was clear children there were being failed.

"I am very seriously concerned that these children, who obviously are living in conditions of deprivation, are suffering becaue the authorities are failing in their duty," she added.

Under-staffing was a particular concern, Ms Lloyd said, as was the revelation that almost half the children cared for by the authority had an unqualified worker as their case manager.

"I know there are difficulties in recruiting social workers. If you can't get social workers, you are not going to get the same qualified service.But 50% is appalling."

Ms Lloyd went on to say that the report raised questions about how long the council had been experiencing problems in providing care.