Report says poor case work at fault

Ineffective case management in child
protection systems is at fault in the majority of baby killings,
according to a report by three employees of the NSPCC.

What Really Happened looked at 19 child deaths
in 17 families found that nearly half of the babies had previously
been seriously injured. In 11 cases known concerns with the child’s
safety should have led to the invoking of child protection
procedures prior to death.

In several instances social services had
classified referrals of concern about the babies’ welfare as
children “in need” rather than “at risk”, which in reality amounted
to a “no further action” disposal. There was also a lack of
assessment by social services of families with which they already
had contact.

What Really Happened from pdale@nspcc.org.uk