A paedophile was allowed to foster a child despite his history of abusing young boys, it has emerged.David Mason, who is in his 50s, did not have his identity checked by Kent County Council, which permitted the placement.
And only a quick check on his home following his application.
The council has now been heavily criticised by a High Court judge.
Formal checks on Mason's application may have exposed his true identity and a history of sexual abuse, said Mr Justice Baker.
He urged the authority to 'urgently review its practice' saying he hoped those responsible 'learn the lessons'.
Kent County Council has publicly apologised, admitting the care and attention 'was not good enough'.
The case is the latest in a series of distressing episodes for Kent social services, which was ordered by Ofsted to improve child protection services after an inspection last year found them to be inadequate.
It emerged from a High Court judgment delivered behind closed doors last month, which has just been made public.
The case would have remained secret had not Mr Justice Baker decided, in view of the "alarming matters" that emerged, to allow the 'unusually extensive and troubling' wider issues it raised to be publicised.
Had the council carried out its duties properly and conducted a proper assessment of the man, the fact that he was a paedophile would have come to light sooner.
Malcolm Newsam, KCC's interim director of families and social care, said: 'What happened in this case is deeply regrettable. Read More
