Needham Social Worker Loses License Over Brockton High Photo Allegations

A Needham man arrested in 2011 has lost his license to do social work, following accusations he was taking pictures of high school girls. 

Galen Stone, a Needham resident working in Brockton High School was arrested and charged, in April 2011, with criminal harassment and accosting someone of the opposite sex. CBS Boston reports that the charges came after three high school girls came forward and said he had been taking pictures of them after putting candy on their table at lunch.

According to a press release sent by the Mass. Division of Professional Licensure (DPL), they have secured the permanent surrender of Stone's license. His surrender agreement resolves these allegations, the DPL release says.

In 2011, he denied the charges : he pled not guilty and was released on $500 bail, according to Boston.com.

The DPL also announced the enforcement actions taken against three other social workers in that press release. 

Below is the full press release from the Mass. Division of Professional Licensure:

MASSACHUSETTS SOCIAL WORKERS BOARD ANNOUNCES ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS 

BOSTON - The Board of Registration of Social Workers today announced enforcement actions against the following individuals:

William J. Kates Jr., Marshfield, MA:  The Board secured the permanent surrender of Kates’ license to practice as a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) in Massachusetts. Kates admitted to allegations that he provided a patient with clinical social work services as an independent practitioner and, in doing so, practiced beyond the scope of his licensure.

Peter D. Lee, Riverside, RI:  The Board entered into a consent agreement with Lee, resolving allegations that he improperly identified himself as a social worker licensed to practice in Massachusetts. Under the terms of the agreement, Lee agreed to pay a $50 fine.

Galen L. Stone, Needham, MA: The Board secured the permanent surrender of Stone’s license to practice as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Massachusetts. The surrender agreement resolved allegations that he took inappropriate photographs while employed by the Brockton Public Schools. The voluntary surrender of Stone’s licensed was secured in cooperation with the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office.

Dana W. Walsh, Mansfield, MA: The Board entered into a consent agreement with Walsh, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), resolving allegations that she failed to adequately complete continuing education requirements needed for the renewal of her license.

Under the terms of the agreement, Walsh agreed to pay a $200 fine.

The Board of Registration of Social Work protects the public through regulation of the practice of social work in Massachusetts by holding meetings, hearing complaints, and taking action as required with the assistance of the Division of Professional Licensure’s (DPL) legal counsel and investigators. The Board also determines eligibility for and conducts examinations of candidates for licensure, approving qualified individuals to practice at one of four levels: Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW); Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW); Licensed Social Worker (LSW), and; Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA). Currently, there are about 22,510 individuals licensed to work in the social worker profession in Massachusetts.

The Division of Professional Licensure (DPL) is a regulatory agency within the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. The agency is responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance and the integrity of the licensing process for more than 365,000 licensees in trades and professions under the jurisdiction of 31 boards of registration. DPL also licenses and regulates private occupational schools.

Consumers are urged to visit the DPL’s website at www.mass.gov/dpl and select the “Check a Professional’s License” link to determine whether a professional with whom they may do business is licensed and in good standing.  Follow DPL on Twitter @MassDPL.