## Youth Worker Banned After Sending Inappropriate Messages to Vulnerable Child
A Neath Port Talbot Council youth worker has been permanently struck off the professional register, following a disciplinary hearing that concluded he had crossed boundaries with a vulnerable young person in his care. Francois Hanson, once considered a respected member of the local authority’s youth services, is now faced with the serious consequences of what a regulatory panel called “an egregious breach” of trust.
Hanson, who began his role as a youth worker back in 2005, was officially dismissed from the profession by the Education Workforce Council (EWC) Wales after it was found he acted in an unacceptable manner towards a child referred to in proceedings as “Pupil A”. The panel, which convened remotely over several days, heard that Hanson developed an inappropriate relationship with the child, sending late-night social media messages of a sexual nature via Snapchat, where content is designed to disappear after viewing.
Chair of the panel, Steve Powell, described the child as “extremely vulnerable,” emphasising that Hanson had not only failed in his duty of care, but had also attempted to manipulate and conceal his actions. In his correspondence, Hanson nicknamed the child “chicken nugget” and at one point sent a message reading: “I could murder a cuddle in bed now, lol, naked.” Such remarks, the panel concluded, could not be justified as innocent banter between a youth worker and a minor.
Evidence given at the hearing revealed a calculated pattern of behaviour over time, rather than an isolated lapse in judgement. Testimony from Pupil A included accounts of Hanson giving her lifts home, parking for long conversations near her residence, and physically touching her on the thigh while reassuring her. There were also suggestions he invited her to his home for guitar lessons while his own family were out—an incident later raised with police and in the hearing.
Upon learning of the situation, the girl confided in a friend before reporting Hanson to the school’s safeguarding officer, which precipitated a police investigation. Although subsequent police enquiries did not lead to charges, citing insufficient evidence for prosecution, the matter was escalated to the EWC for assessment of professional conduct. The panel deemed Pupil A’s evidence credible, noting that Hanson chose neither to participate in the hearing nor to put forward his side of the story.
During the formal investigation, Hanson sought to downplay his actions, telling authorities he may have liked the girl “more than I should, but not in an obsessive sexual way.” However, panel members found that the sustained inappropriate communications, combined with attempts to hide conversations through Snapchat, pointed to a clear breach of trust and professional standards.
Further, Hanson was found to have inappropriately confided in the child about personal matters, including problems within his marriage, and made reference to his own sterility in conversations which the girl recalled. The panel concluded that such behaviour had no place in a responsible, professional relationship, and that Hanson ignored the obvious harm it could cause to someone in a vulnerable position.
Announcing the decision, Mr Powell stated, “He behaved in a sexually motivated way towards a child under 16 in his care. This was not an isolated lapse but a concerning pattern of behaviour over a period of time. Child A was extremely vulnerable. Mr Hanson was charged with looking after her interests and wellbeing. His actions were an egregious breach of that trust.”
As is standard with EWC procedures, Hanson was informed he could apply to rejoin the register after five years, rather than the usual two, due to the severity of his conduct. Should he not succeed in any such future application, the ban will remain indefinite.
This case casts a spotlight on the importance of safeguarding, transparency, and accountability in youth work—professions that hold a position of trust with those they serve. While no criminal charges were ultimately brought, the professional standards process deemed Hanson’s actions incompatible with public service values and child protection.
The outcome underscores both the courage required for vulnerable individuals to speak out, and the necessity for robust oversight in all sectors responsible for the welfare of minors. The Education Workforce Council’s response reiterates a commitment to maintaining high ethical standards, ensuring the public can have confidence in those entrusted with the care and guidance of young people.