ADCS responds to the triennial analysis of SCRs 2014 to 2017

04 Mar 2020 in Safeguarding and Child Protection > Safeguarding & Child Protection >

Commenting on the triennial analysis of SCRs 2014 to 2017 report Jenny Coles, ADCS Vice President, said:

“I would encourage all local authorities, their safeguarding partners, policy makers and ministers to read this report which shares learning from 368 serious case reviews and suggests how work to safeguard and protect children from abuse and neglect can be improved, locally and nationally.

“It remains the case that most cases where a child is seriously injured take place within the family with children living at home or with relatives, but not always. The report states having a disability or chronic physical and mental health conditions are important factors in demonstrating children’s vulnerability to serious harm or injury as is age, with infants and adolescents at greater risk. An increasing number of SCRs involved adolescents; some were being criminally exploited. This is a complex area of practice. Local authorities and safeguarding partners continue to develop and improve our local responses to this issue, however, radical shifts in national policy, practice and funding is needed if we are to tackle the root causes of harm as well as the societal conditions that allow abuse and exploitation to flourish.

“The reviewers highlighted the complexity of children and families’ lives and poverty was a common feature, in terms of the stress and strain that deprivation places on adults and their parenting abilities. The numbers of children living in poverty continues to rise, these findings strengthen the need for a national child poverty reduction strategy. Government must lead this endeavour from the front.

“The report highlights the growing pressures facing local authorities as a result of rising demand for services and reducing resources, this is hindering our ability to provide early help and support to children and their families which prevents their needs from escalating. Despite this, England has one of the safest child protection systems in the world. The government cannot be complacent when it comes to keeping children safe from harm. A tipping point is being reached.”

ENDS