A Serious Case Review was set out by ‘Working Together’ 2006 stating:
‘When a child dies, and abuse or neglect is known or suspected to be a factor in the death…. Organisations should consider whether there are any lessons to be learnt about the ways in which they work together to safeguard and promote the welfare of children’ (DfES 2006: 8.2 p169)
In such circumstances or: * ‘Where a child sustains a potentially life threatening injury or serious and permanent impairment of health and development through abuse and neglect’ * ‘When a child has been subjected to particularly serious sexual abuse’ * ‘When a child has been murdered and a homicide review is being initiated’ * When a child has been killed by a parent with mental illness – then a serious case review should be conducted or considered. (DfES 2006: 8.2 p169)
Local Safeguarding Children’s Boards LSCB’s should always consider whether a serious case review should be conducted where:
‘…. The case gives rise to concerns about inter agency working to protect children from harm…..’ (DfES 2006: 8.2 p169)
Victoria Climbie:
Victoria Climbie originally from the Ivory Coast was informally adopted by her aunt, Marie-Therese Kouao and lived in France between 1998 and 1999. In March of 1999 concerns were raised by the school, that Victoria appeared to have a dermatological condition and had arrived at school with a shaven head, wearing a wig. In April 1999 Victoria and her aunt left France and moved to England. Between April and July Kouao visited Ealing social services 18 times in an attempt to gain housing and financial assistance. Kouao began working in June 1999 and an unregistered child minder anonymously reported to Brent Social Services her concerns for Victoria’s welfare. Kouao met Carl Manning in June 1999 and moved into his flat with Victoria in July 1999, in the London Borough of Haringey.
Between this time and Victoria’s death in February
References: Department for Education and Skills (2006), Common Assessment Framework: Practitioners and Managers Guides. Victoria Climbie Inquiry, Laming Report 2003 Report of an Enquiry