THE Families SA carer charged with sexually abusing seven preschoolers was investigated a year ago for alleged inappropriate behaviour involving a female toddler in his care, before being cleared to again work with children, it can be revealed. Sources have told The Advertiser the man, 32, was stood aside while an internal inquiry was undertaken — but reinstated when the allegation could not be proven. The bombshell revelation will intensify pressure on the State Government and Families SA over their handling of complaints of alleged child abuse. At separate press conferences on Tuesday, Child Development Minister Jennifer Rankine and Education and Child Development Department deputy chief executive David Waterford both indicated there was no suspicion surrounding the carer in the workplace prior to police receiving information about his alleged distribution of child exploitation material on June 6 this year. Neither revealed he had been the subject of an allegation, internally referred to as a “care concern’’, that had been investigated a year ago. Ms Rankine said then that the accused worker, from the southern suburbs, had passed a police check, child protection screening and psychological testing similar to that applied to police officers. The man charged with seven counts of child abuse against preschoolers. His identity is suppressed. It is understood that following the inquiry the man was given an incremental promotion, which included a pay rise. On Tuesday, Mr Waterford said the accused had been employed by Families SA since 2010 through until his arrest and had met the “rigorous” tests to gain and maintain employment. “I’m disgusted and horrified by these allegations,” Mr Waterford said. “I know that the many good and decent and caring people who work in Families SA are equally horrified and distressed. “The fact that this person was able to get through such a rigorous (employment check) system adds to the level of distress and adds to the sense of betrayal that everyone whose associated with this work has. “He was, for all intents and purposes, a very average person and again that adds to the sense of distress ... and a level of confusion. “The sense of disgust and betrayal that someone can do this in what was meant to be the home for these children and a safe place for them is incredibly distressing.” When asked for comment on Thursday night, Ms Rankine said “the Government has consistently said that it is unable to comment on the details of the case so as not to prejudice the live investigation ... and potential prosecution”. “We have worked through the considered release of information every step of the way, heeding advice from the Crown Solicitor’s Office and SAPOL,’’ she said. Assistant Commissioner (Crime) Paul Dickson said on Thursday night the “investigation remains in its infancy and there is a considerable amount of material and information still to review’’. “Our highest priority is to protect the integrity of the investigation and judicial process that will follow so that the alleged victims received justice,’’ he said. “Therefore, it is inappropriate to provide any specific comment to these claims. However, SAPOL will continue to work closely with DECD and review all of the accused’s work history and files as part of the investigation.’’