It would appear, unlike most other councils, that Bristol City Council is awash with money, if they can , as reported, spend money on the reported court actions.  They should have Protection Procedures and you would expect them to follow these.  These procedures are there to protect the children in question and not to safeguard the feelings and reputations of their staff.
Urgent questions need to be asked of Bristol City Council, as if these reported facts are true, then the Social Services Dept at Bristol CC is not fit for purpose.