I felt a mixture of despair and anger on reading your editorial (“We’ve learned so little from these tragedies”). Twenty years ago, I was responsible for implementing the recommendations of Lord Laming’s Victoria Climbié report in a large local authority. It is inexcusable that the same poor practice decisions, lack of management supervision and inadequate resourcing continue to result in the death of vulnerable children. Laming set out numerous recommendations but, if just two of his principles were consistently followed, this would significantly reduce the risks of severe harm or death.
First, children at risk should be seen in person and spoken to separately from the parent(s) at regularly intervals by a social worker. Failure to meet the agreed timescales or see the child should result in serious action. Second, directors, senior social work managers and local councillors must spend regular time with frontline child protection workers so that they understand the pressures and complexities of this work and then ensure that staff are well supported and the service adequately resourced.
