I had to write in support of the two social workers involved in the John Smith tragedy, whom it appears the public has already hung and quartered.

Have people forgotten why John was adopted? This tragedy started from the day he was born. Many people were involved with this little boy - not only professionals - who could have done something to prevent this tragedy.

On reading reports in The Argus, it would appear John was a normal little boy who enjoyed school and did not show signs of behavioural problems while there. If he had bruises, why didn't the educational professionals pick up on this? Was it because this manipulative couple took them in too? The blame cannot lie with two individuals who were doing a job most of us would not want to do in a climate of budget cuts and constant change in government legislation. It is easy to criticise when you don't know what it is like.

Please stop this line of accusation - they are probably suffering enough without everyone else adding to it.

We should not make assumptions that only they are responsible.

-Name and address supplied