Significant rise in serious incidents involving children
The number of ‘serious incidents’ involving children has risen significantly in the last year, Ofsted has reported. Local authorities must report any incident of harm or neglect of children to Ofsted...
View ArticleChild protection reviews are ‘too focused on detail’
Child protection case reviews are often overburdened with detail and fail to reach clear conclusions, the government has concluded. In a new report, an independent panel appointed by the Department for...
View ArticleSocial worker confusion contributed to death of four year-old
Confusion amongst social workers contributed to the death of a four year-old girl, a review has concluded. ‘Sophie’ was murdered by her father in March 2014. He was convicted and given a minimum life...
View ArticleSerious case reviews to be abolished
Serious case reviews are to be abolished, the government has announced. Under the present system, local authorities are required to establish independent panels called ‘local safeguarding children’s...
View ArticleDecision to abolish serious case reviews welcomed
The Association of Directors of Children’s Services has welcomed a recent government decision to abolish serious case reviews (SCRs). The government responded to the recent publication of the Wood...
View ArticleA week in family law: SCRs, FGM, IVF and more
The family law news this week has been dominated by three-letter initialisms: The current system of serious case reviews (‘SCRs’) is to be scrapped and replaced with a new way of investigating child...
View Article‘Judges should not have to justify themselves’
Judges should not have to justify their rulings, Family Division President Sir James Munby has insisted. Speaking at the inaugural Bridget Lindley Annual Memorial Lecture staged by advisory body the...
View ArticleSerious case reviews; the role of judges
Family Division President Sir James Munby has published guidance on the proper role of judges in serious case reviews. These enquiries are conducted by frontline childcare professionals whenever a...
View ArticleDomestic abuse may overshadow other risks to children
Domestic violence in the home may overshadow other serious risks to children a new Cafcass report suggests. The court service examined the details of 97 serious case reviews. These are conducted...
View ArticleSocial media ‘could help social workers’
Social media posts could provide social workers with useful insights into troubled families, a serious case review has concluded. Such reviews are conducted by frontline agencies whenever a vulnerable...
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