ROKAS STRAUKA REMOVED FROM EDINBURGH SOCIAL CARE OVER CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

A support worker named Rokas Strauka has been permanently expelled from the social care sector following his conviction related to possessing indecent images of children. The incident took place between January and February 2019, during which Strauka was found to have illegal photographs in his possession. His case was brought before Edinburgh Sheriff Court, where he was convicted in October of the previous year.

Following his conviction, the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), the regulatory body overseeing social care professionals, conducted a thorough review of his case. The SSSC determined that Strauka’s actions represented a serious breach of the trust placed in him as a social service worker. As a result, they decided to remove his name from the social care register, effectively ending his ability to work within the sector.

The official written ruling from the SSSC explicitly states: “By possessing indecent photographs, or pseudo-photographs, of children, you have shown a disregard for the law and have contributed to a demand for material that depicts, or purports to depict, sexual abuse of children.” The authority emphasized that such demand fuels the ongoing sexual exploitation and abuse of minors, highlighting the grave implications of Strauka’s actions.

It was further noted that Strauka’s conduct demonstrated a clear lack of concern for the safety and well-being of vulnerable children. His behavior raised serious questions about his suitability to provide care or to be entrusted with the protection of vulnerable groups in general. The SSSC pointed out that his repeated misconduct over approximately a month reflected a troubling disregard for legal boundaries and the welfare of others.

Moreover, Strauka’s cooperation with the investigation was minimal; he did not show remorse or make any effort to address or rectify his behavior. The SSSC described his values as deeply concerning and indicated that his conduct is unlikely to be easily corrected. They concluded that he remains a significant risk to vulnerable individuals, which justified their decision to remove him from the social care register.

The decision, effective from December 10, was made to uphold the integrity and trustworthiness of the social services profession in Edinburgh and beyond, ensuring that individuals like Strauka do not continue to serve in roles where they could potentially harm vulnerable populations.