Learning from child protection Serious Case Reviews in England: A critical appraisal

Authors

  • Nick Frost Leeds Beckett University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1921/swssr.v18i3.955

Abstract

This article explores the key role of Serious Case Reviews (SCRs) in the English child protection system. After exploring the relevant regulation and guidance it is argued that the impact of these reviews on the child protection system has been largely negative. Research and empirical data contradict the dominant narrative that the child protection system is ‘failing’. An alternative approach is proposed which would allow for learning from child deaths whilst avoiding the negative and damaging impact of the current system.

Author Biography

Nick Frost, Leeds Beckett University

Professor of Social Work (Childhood, children and families)

References

Bradford Safeguarding Children Board (2013) A Serious Case Review: Hamzah Khan. Bradford: BSCB

Byrne, D. S. (1998) Complexity Theory and The Social Sciences: An introduction. London: Psychology Press.

Coventry Safeguarding Children Board (2013) Serious Case Review: Daniel Pelka. Coventry: CSCB

Corby, B., Doig, A. and Roberts, V. (1998) Inquiries into child abuse. Journal of Social Welfare and Family Law, 20, 377-395.

Department for Education (2015) Working Together to Safeguard Children. London: Department for Education

Department for Education (2016a) Children’S Social Care Reform. London: Department for Education

Department for Education (2016b) Review of the Role and Functions of Local Safeguarding Children Boards. London: Department for Education

Ferguson, H. (2011). Child Protection Practice. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

Jones, R. (2014) TheSstory of Baby P: Setting the record straight. Bristol: Policy Press.

Greer, C., & McLaughlin, E. (2011) ‘Trial by media’: Policing, the 24-7 news mediasphere and the ‘politics of outrage’. Theoretical Criminology, 15, 1, 23-46.

Jütte, S., Bentley, H., Miller, P., & Jetha, N. (2014) How Safe are Our Children?. London: NSPCC.

Parton, N. (2014) The Politics of Child Protection. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan,

Lord Laming (2003) The Victoria Climbié Inquiry: Report of an Inquiry by Lord Laming. London: TSO.

Pritchard, C., & Williams, R. (2009) Comparing possible ‘child-abuse-related-deaths’ in England and Wales with the major developed countries 1974–2006: Signs of progress?. British Journal of Social Work, bcp089.

Secretary of State for Social Services (1974) Report of the Inquiry into the Care and Supervision Provided in Relation to Maria Colwell. London: HMSO

Secretary of State for Social Services (1988) Report of the Inquiry into Child Abuse in Cleveland. (Cm412) London: HMSO.

Sidebotham, P., Brandon, M., Bailey, S., Belderson,P., Dodsworth, J., Garstang, J., Harrison, E., Retzer, A. and Sorensen, P. (2016) Pathways to Harm, Pathways to Protection: A triennial analysis of serious case reviews 2011 to 2014. London: Department for Education

Websites

www.data.unicef.org/child-mortality (viewed 10th June 2016)

www.makingthelink.net (viewed 10th June 2016)

Published

2016-11-17

How to Cite

Frost, N. (2016). Learning from child protection Serious Case Reviews in England: A critical appraisal. Social Work and Social Sciences Review, 18(3), 12-21. https://doi.org/10.1921/swssr.v18i3.955

Issue

Section

Articles
Received 2016-10-28
Accepted 2016-10-28
Published 2016-11-17