Editorial Comment: Khyra and the blame game

The tabloid hue and cry after the death of seven-year-old Birmingham girl Khyra Ishaq was predictable, although it began well before the full facts from the post mortem examination, let alone the serious case review, were known.

Khyra is believed to have starved and two people have been charged with child neglect. The local MP attacked Birmingham children’s services, while the Daily Mail saw similarities with Victoria Climbié.

Even if it is too soon to say that these criticisms are justified, social workers have come to expect them. They are an easy target. But we should not forget that this girl’s death occurred at the heart of an extended family and a community that cared about her. Where then does the prime responsibility for vigilance lie?

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Essential information on Khyra Ishaq

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Mark Ivory, Executive Editor