Safeguarding system needs to do more against abuse

The Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel has argued that the safeguarding system needs to do more to protect teenagers and infants from abuse and neglect.

The independent panel of experts reviews serious child safeguarding incidents, when children have died or suffered serious harm, to learn how to improve the system. Since July 2018, when it was established, the panel has received over 500 serious safeguarding notifications. Over 230 of these involved children who tragically died.

In its new annual report, the panel shows that teenagers and infants appear more at risk of serious harm in the context of abuse and neglect with almost 30 per cent of cases involving babies under 12 months old. While teenagers fall prey to harm from criminal gangs, babies are most often harmed or killed by parents or their partners.

At least half of all children who died or were seriously harmed were already identified as vulnerable. However, despite that identification, the system was not able to prevent the death or serious incident.

The panel is now asking the to align current and enhanced investment and strategies for vulnerable children across health, education, policing and social care.

On behalf of the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel, Karen Manners said: “Our panel reviews the most serious incidents of child abuse and neglect so we can learn how to improve the safeguarding system. Our first annual report shows that babies and teenagers are most at risk of serious harm. And, while most safeguarding partners are successfully promoting children’s welfare, it’s hard for them to achieve the highest standards without more support. Government must ensure investments to help vulnerable children are aligned, so everyone who works with children can provide the coordinated and consistent support every child deserves.”