Episode 20: Child C - "A child's voice, however honest and true, is meaningless to those who've forgotten how to listen"

Episode 20: Child C - "A child's voice, however honest and true, is meaningless to those who've forgotten how to listen"

This Child Safeguarding Practice Review has recently been published by Gloucestershire Safeguarding Children Partnership [https://trixcms.trixonline.co.uk/api/assets/gloucestershirescp/106c4086-be6b-4132-bfb0-b8cdbdadf3b3/child-c-gscp-local-child-safeguarding-practice-review-final.pdf] and looks into the case of Child C who was sexually abused by their male foster carer. Please note the opening of this episode does contain a letter written by the child themselves about the abuse they faced which some listeners may find difficult to hear.  Learning themes include: -The importance of consistent, responsive and reliable professionals - The difference between constancy and consistency -Speaking to children away from their homes and those that may be perpetrating abuse -Thinking the unthinkable when it comes to foster carers abusing their position of trust -Considering how we respond to concerns and allegations when children are watching -Avoiding an over focus on the adults and taking note when a child retracts allegations  -Recognising that being fully compliant does not mean neglect or abuse is not present

Episode 19: Learning from the Manning family

Today’s episode focuses on a review recently published by Lambeth Safeguarding Children Partnership and refers to a family the report calls the Manning Family [https://library.nspcc.org.uk/HeritageScripts/Hapi.dll/filetransfer/2025LambethManningFamilyCSPRSummaryReport.pdf?filename=CC18C70DB7C8C3D49403BB94EB176F95207E5F66235DCA89651F5ED2BA2CCB261A3A683F3C97431CAD8CC41A9E6BB37D1EB9CD5B45531DB887E6006C2EC1222B48846EA40908D727A01F0DFA139F1A4F605F8809F022DBF3455EFF71D1EBD2D9C467&DataSetName=LIVEDATA]. This review was deemed necessary after a young boy was found with indecent and sexual abuse images of children on his phone. This formed part of some wider concerns that already existed including the potential sexual abuse, physical abuse and neglect of children with disabilities. Learning themes include: -Understanding the vulnerabilities of children with disabilities -Race, ethnicity, adultification bias and cultural considerations -Professional curiosity -Listening and capturing the voice of the child -Drift and delay

Episode 18:Bethany and Darren–Learning from their murder

Bethany (aged 26) and her son Darren, better known as DJ (aged 9) were both murdered at their family home by Bethany’s former partner in the May of 2021 following a period of physical and psychological abuse. The perpetrator had a history of violence, including a conviction for domestic assault on a former partner. This episode looks at the findings from the joint Domestic Homicide Review and Child Safeguarding Practice Review published by Safer Lincolnshire Partnership and Lincolnshire Safeguarding Children Partnership. [https://library.nspcc.org.uk/HeritageScripts/Hapi.dll/filetransfer/2024LincolnshireBethanyAndDarrenCSP-DHR.pdf?filename=CC18C70DB7C8C3D49403BB94EB176F95207E5F66235DCA89651F5ED2BA2CCB261B3A603C3D9D5B1A9385C3069247B14F17B5CA4E7D7E2AACB4C707642DE3030237A55699550C9D3152E1B4596EB77648951C6E02664C31FB5F41284B27D1851C&DataSetName=LIVEDATA]   Learning themes include: -The importance of recognising domestic abuse harm to children -Understanding of the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (also known as Clare’s Law)  - Power and control dynamics of domestic abuse -Understanding separation as a risk factor and the link to Dr Jane Monkton Smith’s ‘8 Step Timeline in Domestic Homicide’ [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-49481998] - Supporting non-abusive parents and challenging abuse parents - The importance of taking threats seriously

Episode 17: Learning from the death of a 3 week old baby at the hands of their Father

9 out of 10 children who are subject to Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews are previously known to children’s services. However, what about that 1 in 10 case? What lessons can be learnt? This episode will answer those questions and focuses on a review recently published by Birmingham Safeguarding Children Partnership [https://library.nspcc.org.uk/HeritageScripts/Hapi.dll/filetransfer/2025BirminghamBSCP2022-2303CSPR.pdf?filename=CC18C70DB7C8C3D49403BB94EB176F95207E5F66235DCA89651F5ED2BA2CCB261A346020339B5913888CC736A44684094FE6961A0E237EDB96E625536DD03434B93B02855B3A0817E014CCF79E082A222DB4E37BBB54E966&DataSetName=LIVEDATA]. The review focuses on the tragic death of a three-week-old baby caused by his father, following a catastrophic breakdown in the father's mental health in the Autumn of 2022. Unlike many other Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews, prior to the baby’s death, the family were only receiving universal services and were not known to either children's social care or mental health services.   Learning themes include: -Developing a better response when a person is in mental health crisis  -Improving access to mental health support  -The importance of passing on accurate and complete information  - Displaying cultural awareness so agencies are able to be sensitive to the way needs may present depending on ethnicity, culture and belief systems -Considering whether community leaders such as Imams should be trained in counsel and mental health

Episode 16: What can we learn from Child V’s death?

In January 2023, Child V died at the age of 7 years old. Child V had complex health needs and disabilities and there had been significant contact with both health and social care practitioners due to her needs and concerns around neglect in the years preceding her death. This episode examines the findings of the Child Safeguarding Practice Review published by City & Hackney Safeguarding Children Partnership. [https://chscp.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Published-CHILD-V-LCSPR-FINAL-2024.pdf]   Learning themes include: -Stepping back and thinking about cumulative harm a child is facing -Health & Social Care working together when complex needs are present  -Insufficient management grip -Working with resistant families  -Prioritising the health, safety and well-being of the child  -Ensuring care proceedings are timely and effective in bringing around material change