Dr Jane Martin found that council procedures resulted in the mishandling of a girl’s allegations against her mother.
Inappropriate questioning, a failure to implement a clear plan for investigation and failure to properly record evidence and decisions led to the unfair treatment, according to the report.
The ombudsman’s report also found that the council took steps to accommodate the girl without properly considering alternative options and failed to conduct a proper risk assessment when asking for permission for the girl to visit her father.
Martin said: "Councils have a vital role in safeguarding children, which often requires that hard decisions are made in difficult circumstances. Child protection investigations have a profound effect on families and it is important councils follow proper administrative procedures so that investigations are fair.
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